Jackson’s ‘Tintin’ Adventure Comes to Malta

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Valletta, the sun casting a golden glow on the historic buildings. Now, picture Peter Jackson, the man who brought Middle-earth to life, strolling along Republic Street, his mind not on hobbits or elves, but on a young reporter and his trusty dog. This is not a fantasy, but the reality of Jackson’s next cinematic venture – an adaptation of Hergé’s beloved ‘Tintin’ series.

Malta, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, has been chosen as one of the filming locations for Jackson’s ‘The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn’. The historic city of Mdina, with its narrow streets and ancient walls, will stand in for the cobbled alleys of Brussels. Locals can expect to see Jackson and his crew transforming our streets into a 1930s European cityscape, complete with vintage cars and period costumes.

But why Malta? Jackson, a self-proclaimed fan of the Mediterranean island, has praised its unique blend of history and modernity. “Malta offers a rich mix locations that can double for various European cities,” he said in a recent interview. “And the local film industry’s support and infrastructure make it an ideal filming location.”

Jackson, known for his epic fantasy sagas, might seem an unlikely choice to helm a film about a young reporter and his canine companion. But the director, who grew up reading Tintin comics, promises a faithful adaptation that respects the source material while bringing it to life for a modern audience.

“Tintin is a timeless character,” Jackson explains. “His adventures are universal, and Hergé’s storytelling is as engaging today as it was when I first read it as a kid. I want to capture that sense of wonder and excitement on screen.”

The film, set to start production later this year, will be shot using motion capture technology, allowing actors to fully embody their characters. Jackson has assembled an impressive cast, including Jamie Bell as Tintin, Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock, and Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as the bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson.

With filming set to begin soon, Malta-based Tintin fans can expect to see some exciting developments. The production team is currently scouting locations and planning street closures, so keep an eye out for updates. There’s also talk of a Tintin-themed exhibition at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, giving locals a chance to get up close with props and costumes from the film.

And who knows? You might just spot Jackson himself, strolling along the streets of Mdina, lost in thought, planning the next great Tintin adventure. After all, as he once said, “I’ve always wanted to make a Tintin film. It’s one of those things that’s been in the back of my mind for a long time.”