The Hollywood Reporter notes that the comment by Brussels’ Herge Studios that Peter Jackson was taking over directing duty on the first Tintin movie has been denied. Representatives of both Jackson and Spielberg insist that Jackson remains attached to direct the sequel, though he will be a producer on the first.

Steven Spielberg will be directing the first film, which the studio confirmed will be based on the two-part books “The Secret of the Unicorn” and “Red Rackham’s Treasure”.

The film will be animated with motion-capture technology, starring Thomas Sangster as Tintin and Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock. It is being planned for release late next year or in the summer of 2010.