From left, Jean Reno, Steve Martin and Emily Mortimer in the Shawn Levy-directed remake of the Peter Sellers classic, The Pink Panther.

HOLLYWOOD -- French actor Jean Reno should be collecting two paycheques for The Pink Panther.

After all, he's doing double duty.

In the Steve Martin remake of Peter Sellers' classic 1963 comedy, Reno plays Gendarme Gilbert Ponton, the detective assigned to keep Martin's bumbling Clouseau in check.

Ponton is actually a spy for the scheming Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline).

The only recurring character missing from the original Sellers' Pink Panther series is Cato, the servant who becomes the object of Clouseau's surprise attacks.

"Ponton is actually a combination of two characters from the original series. A cop who partners with Clouseau and his companion who was Cato," says Reno.

"That means his surprise attacks are now aimed at me."

There were rumors Reno was cast in The Pink Panther at the insistence of France's president, Jacques Chirac.

"There is partial truth to that rumour," says Reno.

"The president did say I would be good in the role but when he said that he didn't know I'd already been cast. His approval wasn't needed.

"I'd already been selected by Martin."

Because he is known more as a dramatic actor, Reno was excited about doing a comedy.

But it was also daunting.

"I'm not a natural comedian. I need a real comedian like Martin to make me funny," he says.

There are also rumours Reno will incur the wrath of French filmgoers because The Pink Panther makes fun of all things French.

"That is completely silly. The French love the old Sellers Pink Panther movies. The French love to laugh at themselves especially when it's done in such great spirit.

"I think it helps international relationships when we're all laughing at the same things. It shows our common love of laughter."

Reno says Martin and Clouseau share several qualities.

"Both are very stubborn and both are extremely hard workers. I admire that in people," he says.

"It was a joy working with Steve because it was always obvious that he really loved the idea of doing this movie."

"His enthusiasm inspired all of us."

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