Tintin 2 is Jackson’s next visual adventure

For twelve long years, director Peter Jackson has kept a feature film on the back burner. But the wait is finally over, as Jackson has confirmed that he has completed the script for what fans have been dreaming of: the sequel to the beloved adventure series, Tintin 2.

The genesis of this project is steeped in cinematic history. Jackson and his writing partner revisited their shared passion by developing a script for the next installment, a narrative that echoes the legacy of the original film, which was directed by Steven Spielberg just fifteen years prior. The idea, they explained, was to swap roles—Jackson would direct the sequel while Spielberg would produce it—a pairing that has long been wished for by many enthusiasts.

While this script signals a potential return to feature filmmaking, the journey to completion was anything but smooth. The development of Tintin 2 has endured what many call development hell, leaving fans anxiously awaiting any concrete updates on when this long-awaited story will finally hit the screen.

Despite the wait, the potential narrative is rich with familiar, yet exciting, possibilities. Rumors swirling around the project suggest that the sequel might draw inspiration from other adventures within Hergé’s extensive catalogue of Tintin stories. Furthermore, anticipation has been fueled by speculation regarding an all-star cast, with names like Jamie Bell rumored to reprise his role as Tintin, alongside actors such as Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock, and the dynamic duo of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg potentially stepping into the roles of Thomson and Thompson.

Adding another layer of intrigue is the possibility of bringing back Professor Calculus, the brilliant but famously absent-minded professor who remains a charming fixture in the adventures. Regardless of the final story, the prospect of seeing Jackson tackle this timeless narrative again offers tantalizing glimpses into what the future of his directing career might look like.

Jackson’s hiatus has been influenced by personal changes as well. Following the death of his longtime cinematographer Andrew Lesnie earlier this year, Jackson noted that this event shifted his creative trajectory. He reflected that it took him between eleven and twelve years to make a drama film because building a new relationship with another cinematographer required significant time and careful consideration.

By Emma James