Steven Spielberg is currently working on Indiana Jones 4

Movie publication Variety reports that a three feature deal has been struck, with the pair directing one each and the third still to be decided.

Jackson's special effects team Weta Digital will use 3-D animation to bring the junior reporter to life.

The character was created by Herge, aka Belgian artist Georges Remi, in 1929.

Weta has already produced a 20-minute test reel showing how the finished films might look, Variety said.

'Distinctive look'

Spielberg told the publication: "Herge's characters have been reborn as living beings, expressing emotion and a soul which goes far beyond anything we've seen to date with computer animated characters.

Tintin books are still bestsellers

It is reported that the stories, detailing the adventures of the reporter, his dog Snowy and best friend Captain Haddock, will be taken from the 23 albums Herge published between 1929 and 1976.

The series is estimated to have sold 200 million copies and been translated into over 50 languages.

Spielberg is a longstanding fan and has been looking to make a film version of the books for 25 years.

Both directors will become available by the end of the year after they have finished working on Lovely Bones and Indiana Jones 4.

The deal comes after Jackson agreed to direct Lovely Bones, based on Alice Sebold's book, with Spielberg's DreamWorks studio.