Steven Spielberg is set to direct the first film in an upcoming Tintin trilogy.

Herge Studios, a Belgian production company which owns the rights of the character, claimed that Peter Jackson (of Lord Of The Rings fame) would helm the film.

But representatives for Jackson and Spielberg have denied the rumours.

The film will be based on the Tintin comic books, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham's Treasure, reports Contactmusic.

Jackson will produce the first movie before directing its sequel.

The Spielberg flick will star British actor Thomas Sangster in the lead.