Q&A: Jamie Bell of "The Adventures of Tintin" Wants a Dog

Jamie Bell stars as Tintin, the cartoon journalist in "The Adventures of Tintin", Steven Spielberg’s new 3D animated film. Bell is a self-proclaimed homebody, but he showed up December 11 for the Ziegfeld Theater red carpet event. It was the New York City premiere of the film, which opens on December 21.

Did you have a dog growing up?

Jamie Bell: I never did and I always wanted one. Even now I don’t really have one. I have a fake dog that’s fully animated. It’s not even real. But I’m getting there, gradually. I have a lot of friends who have dogs and I really love dogs. So, I’m getting there.

How did you feel about being cast as the lead?

Bell: You know it was everything when I first got the phone call. It was a bunch of reactions. At first it was like, ‘Oh my god, this is amazing.’ Then it was, ‘Wow, now I have to really do this. The pressure is on. What a lot of responsibility it is.’

Responsibility?

Bell: You know, only because I loved Tintin so much as a kid. But, then it turned into dogged determination and tenacity to bring something to life and still respect its origins.

What did you like best about working with Steven Spielberg?

Bell: He has a childhood enthusiasm for making movies and for adventure. I’m much more of an armchair traveler to be honest with you. I don’t really get out that much. I am … [Motions] Gosh, there’s George Lucas… I’m much more like the creator, Hergé, an armchair traveler.

How do you feel about Tintin?

Bell: I have the sense that this character is inherently a good character. He’s very much a beacon of excellence for young people. His moral compass is pointing in the right direction and he’s surrounded by characters who are really lovable. They have human flaws and he forgives those flaws.

How would you describe the movie?

Bell: It’s a treasure hunt. And who doesn’t want to go on a treasure hunt? We managed to make a contemporary story out of something created in 1929. For me, it was great fun to go to work every day. Everyone looked up to Steven and wanted to make the best movie possible.