HONG KONG PHOOEY (In Development)

• HONG KONG PHOOEY VOICED BY A DONKEY

Eddie Murphy will voice the title character of Hong Kong Phooey in Alcon Entertainment's live-action/animation feature film version of the classic '70s Hanna-Barbera cartoon. Murphy is no stranger to animation having previously voiced Donkey in the Shrek films and Mushi in Disney's Mulan.

Hong Kong Phooey voiced by Eddie Murphy

Citing a press release, Deadline reports that Murphy will voice the role of the "number one super guy" originally voiced by the late Scatman Crothers on the 16-episode ABC series.

The film will be directed by Alex Zamm, who has directed films such as, Chairman of the Board, Inspector Gadget 2, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, and the upcoming Tooth Fairy 2 (yes, they made another one, but this time starring Larry the Cable Guy). Murphy's Tower Heist helmer Brett Ratner will serve as a producer.

"We could not be happier that Eddie Murphy will star as Phooey. There is no overstating his contributions to cinema, and to such enduring stars of family entertainments such as Shrek and Dr. Doolittle. We look forward to watching him re-imagine yet another classic character," said Alcon co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove in a statement.

Hong Kong Phooey's secret identity was Penry, a janitor at police headquarters. Although seen as a mighty, unflappable superhero by citizens, he was far from it. Indeed, his cat Spot often saved the day. Other recurring characters included Sergeant Flint and Rosemary, the police station's telephone operator who was smitten with Hong Kong Phooey