Peter Jackson Takes on Tintin: Malta’s Role in the Adventure

Imagine this: Peter Jackson, the mastermind behind the epic ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, is back in his director’s chair. But this time, he’s not leading us through the rolling hills of New Zealand’s Matamata, but rather, the bustling streets of Brussels. The hobbits have hung up their cloaks, and in their place, we find a young reporter and his trusty fox terrier. Welcome to the world of ‘Tintin’.

You might be wondering, what does this have to do with Malta? Well, dear readers, our little island played a significant role in bringing this beloved comic book character to life on the big screen. Remember the historic city of Mdina? That ancient fortress city served as a backdrop for some of the film’s scenes. Picture this: Tintin and his friends racing through the narrow streets, the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral providing a dramatic backdrop. It’s not every day that our medieval streets host a modern-day adventure!

So, how did the Kiwi director find himself in the world of the intrepid young reporter? It all started when Jackson, along with his long-time collaborators, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, were approached by Steven Spielberg to direct a live-action adaptation of the popular Belgian comic series. The duo had previously worked together on ‘The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn’, with Jackson serving as a producer. This time, however, Jackson was taking the helm.

The challenge was immense. How do you bring to life a character who has been a part of millions of readers’ imaginations for decades? Jackson’s solution? To stay true to the spirit of the comics while adding his signature cinematic flair. “It’s about capturing the essence of Tintin,” Jackson told reporters during a press conference held at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. “The adventure, the humor, the heart of the story.”

And what an adventure it was! From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling markets of Bagghar, the film promises to take audiences on a thrilling ride. And let’s not forget the action-packed chase sequences, a Jackson trademark, which were filmed right here in Malta. Remember the dramatic car chase through the streets of Rabat? That’s just a taste of what’s to come.

But it’s not just about the action. At its heart, ‘Tintin’ is a story about friendship. Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus – each character brings something unique to the table. It’s a testament to Jackson’s storytelling prowess that he manages to capture the essence of these characters, making them relatable and engaging, even for those new to the world of Tintin.

With the film set to hit theaters later this year, all eyes are on Jackson to see if he can deliver another cinematic masterpiece. But the director is staying tight-lipped about his plans. “Let’s see how this one goes first,” he laughed when asked about potential sequels. “But who knows? There are certainly plenty of Tintin adventures to choose from.”

One thing’s for sure, though. After ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’, Jackson has proven that he’s no stranger to epic adventures. And with ‘Tintin’, he’s set to embark on another thrilling journey. So, buckle up, Malta. It’s going to be an exciting ride.