Myers Tiptoes Into Pink Panther Lead

October 31 -- Mike Myers might be well on his way to getting his dream role, and he may be paid $20 million to play it.

The hard-working comedian is looking to rebound from this summer's Dieter disaster by committing to shiny new projects. First up: Myers has reportedly been offered the chance to star as hapless Inspector Clouseau in a remake of The Pink Panther, Variety reports.

The Canadian-born actor has long based his love of playing multiple roles (Austin Powers, So I Married an Axe Murderer) on that of the original Pink Panther star, the late Peter Sellers. Myers is apparently discussing the role with MGM, which wants to wrap the project in time to avoid possible 2001 strikes by both the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild.

The role of French detective Clouseau was previously offered to two Kevins: Spacey and Kline.

Myers is also in final talks to join Helen Hunt and Anne Heche in Timepiece, a $20 million comedy set to start shooting in February. The well-paid funnyman will portray a director filming a documentary about a small-town woman battling the influence of a nearby metropolis.

The film would be co-produced by Interlight Pictures and Hunt's Hunt/Tavel shingle.