Sony is reported to be close to coming in with Paramount to finance the Tintin features that will be directed by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson.  In a story first broken by the New York Times, a co-financing deal for the $130 million price tag of the first movie, coupled with a co-distribution deal, is rumored to be in the works.  Under the deal, Sony would join Paramount in financing the picture, with Paramount to distribute in North America and some English-speaking territories, and Sony to handle the rest of the world. 

Sony, in effect, replaces Universal, which recently withdrew from a deal with Paramount to share in production of the film (see “Paramount All in on Tintin?”).

Tintin, by Belgian creator Herge, is one of the most popular graphic novel characters ever, although sales have never wowed in the U.S.

The film is still scheduled for 2010.