Play figures of the comic characters Captain Haddock (lr), Snowy and Tintin.Image: DPA
Film News
According to his own words, “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson (64) is working on a script for a new “Tintin” film.
May 13, 2026, 3:16 p.mMay 13, 2026, 3:16 p.m
“We’re currently writing the next ‘Tintin’ film,” Jackson said during an on-stage interview at the Cannes Film Festival when asked whether he would direct the sequel. The comic series on which the film is based is originally called “Les Aventures de Tintin”.
In 2011, his director colleague Steven Spielberg directed the adventure film “The Adventures of Tintin – The Secret of the Unicorn”, and Jackson co-produced the film. “The deal was that Steven would direct one film and I would direct the other. So Steven made his film,” said the New Zealander. Since then – i.e. for 15 years – he hasn’t filmed his.
Jackson worked on the script in Cannes
Jackson said he wrote a script with his partner Fran Walsh and even worked on it in his hotel room in Cannes. «So it’s an active, real thing. I’m returning to the ‘Tintin’ world.” The director was awarded a Golden Palm of Honor at the opening gala of the film festival.
At the round table discussion on the Croisette the day after the award ceremony, Jackson spoke about his career, artificial intelligence and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which won numerous Oscars. He also directed three “Hobbit” films that were released between 2012 and 2014.
New Zealand director Peter Jackson at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.Image: keystone
Why Jackson didn’t want to direct the new Middle-earth film
However, Jackson is only involved as a producer for another continuation of the Middle-earth saga. The planned film “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” will be directed by British actor Andy Serkis, who played the character Gollum in previous “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” episodes. He is also on board as the main actor. The film is scheduled to be in theaters in December 2027.
Jackson said he was happy to hand the helm over to Serkis because the film explores Gollum’s psychology and obsession. “I thought to myself, ‘Andy knows this guy better than anyone’.” That’s why he didn’t think much about whether he should direct the film himself. “I thought the most exciting version of this film would be the one Andy Serkis makes, because he will bring Gollum’s psychology to the screen in a way you can’t imagine.” (sda/dpa/val)