The first Tintin movie is due to be finished in production by the end of 2009 and rumours abound about who will play the famous Belgian boy detective. There have been many people linked to the film in the past but the latest story is that Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame will get the nod for the Tintin role.

Rupert Grint seems like an obvious choice. Rupert Grint first came to international attention as Ron Weasley the friend of Harry Potter the world famous young wizard created by J. K. Rowling in her very successful series of books that were then made into very successful films.

The first book Harry and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry and the Sorcerer's Stone in the USA) was a worldwide success. When made into a film in 2001 it stars of all it young main characters.

Rupert Grint as Harry's friend was a lovable character who was more that a bit clumsy which many young fans could associate with. He soon became a well known star and with his shock of red hair was easily recognizable.

This red air makes him an obvious choice for the film as the Tintin character has the distinctive red hair too. The choice of a already much loved star in Grint with either Peter Jackson or Spielberg directing would help sell the film better in America where Tintin is still not the most recognizable cartoon character.

Tintin was introduced to the world only a few months before Mickey Mouse so was never really captured in the imagination of the American public who favoured their own plucky mouse rather than some European inspired boy detective.

Tintin still proves very popular worldwide however and if Rupert Grint were to play the role he would find himself as the star of one of the biggest films of the 2009. Rupert Grint can also be found in the films Thunderpants and Driving Lessons. Whoever does get the role it will come under the glare of some very critical Tintin fans.

The Tintin forums are already awash with rumours relating to the films and many fans question whether the movies should even be made. The fact that Hollywood is involved scares many Tintin fans because America has no connection with Tintin and many fans wonder if it will involve a love story. This would be blasphemous because Herge never had a love story involving Tinin in any of his adventures.