Peter Jackson Brings Tintin to Life in Malta
From Middle-earth to Marlinspike: Peter Jackson’s Next Adventure
Imagine this: Peter Jackson, the man who brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life in a trilogy that spanned over a decade, is now sitting in his Wellington studio, not poring over ancient Elvish scripts, but instead, diving into the adventures of a young Belgian reporter and his trusty dog. This is not a dream sequence, but reality. The acclaimed director is set to tackle ‘The Adventures of Tintin’, the beloved comic series created by Hergé.
Malta’s Connection: A Tale of Two Studios
Malta, you might ask, what’s your role in this cinematic journey? Well, our little island has played host to not one, but two studios involved in the making of these films. Both ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies had significant portions filmed at the now-defunct Magazino Hall in Marsa. And guess who’s returning to our shores? None other than Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital, the visual effects powerhouse behind both Middle-earth sagas. They’re setting up shop at the newly refurbished Malta Film Studios in Paceville, ready to bring the world of Tintin to life.
From Comic Strips to the Big Screen
Jackson, along with Steven Spielberg, is producing a trilogy based on the iconic comic series. The first film, ‘The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn’, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. It followed Tintin, the intrepid reporter, and his loyal dog Snowy as they unravel a mystery surrounding a model ship. The sequel, ‘The Adventures of Tintin: Prisoners of the Sun’, is slated for release in 2023, with the third film in the works.
But what makes these films unique is their blend of traditional filmmaking with cutting-edge motion capture technology. Actors like Jamie Bell (Tintin), Andy Serkis (Captain Haddock), and Simon Pegg (Thompson & Thomson) performed their roles in special suits, their movements and expressions captured by cameras and translated into the beloved comic characters.
Jackson, known for his meticulous attention to detail, is ensuring that every aspect of the Tintin universe is faithfully recreated. From the quaint streets of Marlinspike to the bustling markets of Bagghar, each location is being painstakingly replicated, with a little help from Malta’s own film industry.
What’s Next for Malta’s Film Industry?
With Weta Digital’s return to Malta, our film industry is poised for another boost. The Tintin trilogy promises to bring in more jobs, more investment, and more international recognition. It’s a testament to Malta’s growing reputation as a film-friendly destination, with its generous incentives, skilled workforce, and diverse locations.
As for Peter Jackson, he’s trading in his elven cloaks for trench coats, his hobbits for a dog, and his Middle-earth for Marlinspike. But one thing remains constant: his commitment to storytelling and his ability to transport us to worlds beyond our own.
So, keep an eye out for the ‘Cast’ sign at the Malta Film Studios. You never know, you might just spot Captain Haddock raising a glass of grog or Tintin and Snowy off on another adventure.
