STEVE MARTIN - STEVE MARTIN SLAMMED FOR CLOUSEAU ROLE

Comedian STEVE MARTIN has been dealt a shattering blow as he prepares to revive the INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU role made famous by PETER SELLERS - the late star's son deems him incapable of bettering his father's talents.

The BRINGING THE HOUSE DOWN star - who's signed up to star in a prequel to the classic PINK PANTHER movies, THE BIRTH OF THE PINK PANTHER - has failed to impress MICHAEL SELLERS, who believes Martin will regret making the film.

Sellers says, "I like some Martin films but I can't see him holding a candle to my father.

"Clouseau was evolved by my father and director BLAKE EDWARDS.

"Nobody wrote it like that.

"He's obviously going to end up being compared to my father.

"I think he'll regret doing it."