As we mentioned before, doe-eyed moppet Thomas Sangster was the original pick for Tintin, before Universal’s cold feet meant he jumped ship. But in all honesty, we can’t help but think it was probably for the best, as the more robust figure of Jamie Bell has taken on the role of the intrepid adventurer.

Credit must go to Peter Jackson, who offered the role personally to Bell via a phone call. Spielberg for one is certain he’s got the right man for the job, waxing lyrical to the LA Times about how, “if Tintin makes you feel something, it’s Jamie Bell’s soul you’re sensing.”

And while we’re not quite sure about this “soul” malarkey, Bell looks like a perfect fit for the role. After all, he’s already well versed in working with WETA’s high-tech trickery from his turn in Jackson’s King-Kong, and would appear to be closer in age to the character than the younger Sangster. Whether his ballet skills will be needed has yet to be confirmed…