Spielberg still at helm of first 'Tintin' movie

Steven Spielberg insists he is still in the director's chair for the first outing of the eagerly awaited 'Tintin' franchise - despite the studio who owns the comic strip's copyright insisting moviemaker Peter Jackson is at the helm of the debut big screen venture.

Spielberg was slated to take on the direction of the franchise's first film, with 'Lord of the Rings' filmmaker Jackson taking over from the 'Jaws' legend for the subsequent sequels.

On Tuesday, a representative for Herge Studios, the Belgium-based production company who hold the rights to the beloved character, said Jackson would be leading the first film, with Spielberg acting as an indirect contributor.

However, spokespeople for both filmmakers insist it is Spielberg who is in charge of the first film, due to start shooting in the autumn, as originally planned.

The movie, which focuses on mystery-solving teen reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy, stars 'Love Actually' actor Thomas Sangster as the enigma-busting sleuth, alongside 'King Kong' star Andy Serkis, who will play Tintin's trusty sidekick Captain Haddock.