It looks like Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are trying to make a fashion statement promoting The Adventures of Tintin, the 3-D motion-capture trilogy they're both producing. The Spanish site Estrenos de Cine just published this photo, which they received from Sony Pictures.
In the photo, the two directors don antiquated bowler hats, a particularly common article of clothing in the Tintin universe. We agree with the folks at Cinema Blend who say that it's rather bizarre seeing Jackson all lithe and trim. Maybe his former hobbit-esque physique was a very prolonged publicity stunt for Lord of the Rings. Either way, it doesn't stop us from getting excited about Tintin, which unfortunately isn't due in U.S. theaters until December 23, 2011.
The story is based on the Belgian comic strip series that first appeared in the late 1920s. The comic follows Tintin, a Belgian reporter, and his sidekick dog Snowy as they embark on various adventures across the globe. Paramount and Sony, who are producing the movies, decided to release the first movie, Secret of the Unicorn, in international cinemas beginning in late October 2011, ahead of the domestic release. This is due to its familiarity abroad and its lack of exposure in the States. Spielberg will direct that movie, while Jackson will take over for the second.
The current cast includes British star Jamie Bell in the title role and Daniel Craig as his nemesis. Also cast are Andy Serkis (Gollum in Lord of the Rings), Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones, and Mackenzie Crook.
You can check out the official English-language Tintin site for more pictures and videos from the production.