Hergé himself had always been skeptical of a Tintin film. Spielberg quickly became a fan, and became interested in developing a film version. An action-packed series of adventures with exotic locations, eccentric villains, and a quirky sense of humor, Tintin felt like a younger cousin to Indiana Jones. Spielberg had been unaware of the character’s existence until he made the press rounds for Raiders of the Lost Ark, and European critics informed him of the similarities. The first film’s development was already a process that spanned three decades. Both Spielberg and Jackson reiterated their interests in subsequent press, but a decade later we’re no closer to a Tintin franchise. Spielberg collaborated to create the film’s groundbreaking animation with producer Peter Jackson.

Based on the beloved comic strip character created by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé, the motion-capture animated film was released nearly ten years ago. Spielberg had promised the next big franchise with his adaptation of The Adventures of Tintin. Remember Robopocalypse? Blackhawk? The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara? The George Gershwin biopic that would’ve starred Zachary Quinto? Wise fans have learned to get excited about a new Spielberg film, but only once it's already begun shooting. Spielberg has attached himself to countless projects throughout his career that he never ended up pursuing.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.Steven Spielberg remains one of the most prolific working filmmakers, but he’s one of the most indecisive. 'PRODUCED BY TELE-HACHETTE AND BELVISION!!!!' (The '60s one, that is. Far better than 'Tintin and the Lake of Sharks,' and one of Nelvana's best. The writers, animators and voice cast preserve the spirit of the tales wonderfully Tintin may speak with a Canadian voice, but so what? It's not like the series has been thoroughly butchered. (Unlike virtually all other famous fictional creations, Tintin's adventures on film, TV and radio have all come from Herge's work - in accordance with his wishes, no one's allowed to concoct new stories now that the original creator is dead.) Of course, there were a few tweaks made to bring Tintin, Captain Haddock, the Thompson Twins, Professor Calculus, Signora Bianca Castafiore and the rest to television this time, but nothing story-wrecking (in the adaptation of 'The Broken Ear,' the two villains of the piece are brought to justice alive - in the book they drown and go to Hell). The previous television adaptation of the cub reporter with the Hugh Grant-type fringe and the twisted taste in legwear was in serialised five-minute form (all together now - 'HERRRGEEEE'S ADVENNNNTURRRRES OF TINTIN!!!') way back in the 1960s this newer version was less bite-sized in its presentation, and was much better animated as well as remarkably faithful for the most part to its source material.

The adventures of tintin series