Peter Jackson Brings Tintin to Malta

Imagine this: the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the ancient walls of Mdina’s Silent City. Suddenly, the air is filled with the hum of a helicopter, and out pops none other than Peter Jackson, the man who brought us the epic ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. What’s he up to now? Well, buckle up, because he’s trading hobbits for a young reporter, and Malta’s got a front-row seat.

After wrapping up his ‘Hobbit’ trilogy, Jackson is turning his lens towards another beloved literary character: Tintin. The boy reporter, created by Belgian artist Hergé, is no stranger to adventure, and with Jackson at the helm, it’s set to be a thrilling ride. The project, titled ‘The Adventures of Tintin’, is a collaboration between Jackson, Steven Spielberg, and the estate of Hergé.

But why Malta, you ask? Well, our little island has a knack for doubling as just about anywhere in the world. Remember when Mdina stood in for King’s Landing in ‘Game of Thrones’? Or when Popeye’s Spinach Valley was actually the Dingli Cliffs? Jackson’s no stranger to our shores either. He’s been here before, scouting locations for ‘The Hobbit’, and it seems he’s found something he likes.

So, where exactly is Jackson setting up shop? Word on the street is that he’s been eyeing a spot in the south of the island. The rugged cliffs of Dingli, the quiet coves of Marsaxlokk, and even the bustling streets of Valletta could all make an appearance. But the main attraction? That would be the ‘Moonland’ film set in Rabat, a stone’s throw from Mdina.

You might remember Moonland from its previous life as the set for ‘Gladiator’. Russell Crowe and his crew battled it out here, and now it’s set to host another epic production. The set’s been given a facelift, with new buildings and a grand arena, all ready for Jackson’s cameras to roll.

But it’s not just about the locations. Malta’s got a lot to offer in terms of talent too. The film industry here has been booming, with local crew members and actors gaining international recognition. It’s a win-win situation: Malta gets to show off its film-friendly side, and Jackson gets a helping hand from some of the best in the business.

So, what can we expect from ‘The Adventures of Tintin’? Well, it’s early days yet, but we know that Jackson’s planning to film in Malta for a few months. That means plenty of opportunities for us locals to catch a glimpse of the action. Keep your eyes peeled around Rabat, and who knows? You might just spot Captain Haddock or Snowy the dog.

As for the film itself, we can expect a faithful adaptation of Hergé’s classic adventures. Jackson’s no stranger to bringing beloved stories to life on the big screen, and with Spielberg on board as an executive producer, it’s sure to be a thrilling ride.

But for now, it’s all about the prep work. The crew’s busy building sets, scouting locations, and getting everything ready for when Jackson gives the word ‘Action!’. And when that happens, Malta will be right there, ready for its close-up.

So, are you excited to see Tintin’s next adventure unfold right here in Malta? Let us know in the comments below. And who knows? Maybe you’ll spot a familiar face or two around the island. Until then, keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready.