The Pink Panther - the actual pink one, you know - first appeared in the live-action films as an animated pun. See, the pink panther isn’t an actual pink panther, so they thought it would be funny to put an actual pink panther in the credits. As so often happens, the character took on a life of his own. Eventually, United Artists decided that the little pink fella merited his own animated feature.

The short film “The Pink Phink” featured the clever panther harassing a white-mustachioed man - clearly based on Inspector Clouseau from the live-action film - by repeatedly trying to paint his blue horse pink. Of course.

The Pink Panther starred in many short films, along with a few animated series that are regularly shown on T.V. to this day. Hailed as being reminiscent of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, the features were jazzed up by Henry Mancini’s now-famous theme.

But just in case the hundreds of original Pink Panther adventures aren’t enough to satisfy your hunger for animated capers, you’re in luck! The Panth (as I like to call him, we’re tight) is being revamped for Cartoon Network.

The series will feature the Pink Panther as a rambunctious teenager who along with his friends gets into all sorts of mischievous capers and hilarious escapades. “Pink Panther” also will feature characters from the original series, including Ant and Aardvark, as well as new characters. The musical score and comedy themes will be reprised from the original theatrical shorts and TV series.

“The character is drawn a little younger to depict the Pink Panther as a teenager, although he will be instantly recognizable with his signature walk and devil-may-care attitude,” executive producer David Corbett said.

Well, thank God for that signature walk. But forgive me for mentioning this - isn’t the Pink Panther pretty much a product of his era? I’m not saying updates never work - I mean, look at James Bond - but they didn’t revamp him as a fricking teenager. Something about that just smells rotten.

Will there be talking? Will there be electric guitar riffs in the theme song? (Please God no.) I don’t particularly see this going anywhere. I could be wrong…but, you know I’m not.

Popularity: 2% [?]