Stephen Colbert to appear in "The Hobbit"

Book fan and comedian Stephen Colbert will have a cameo in at least one of Peter Jackson's three upcoming "Hobbit" films, according to the Hollywood Reporter.  Colbert hinted at the possibility of an appearance in a candid interview with Playboy, during which he admits he is "a little obsessed" with Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings":

PLAYBOY: Didn’t you visit the Hobbit film shoot in New Zealand?

COLBERT: I did. [Director] Peter Jackson invited me to the set last year. I flew out and watched them shoot some scenes and went to some locations. I saw a 25-minute cut, and it was amazing. Jackson knows I’m a big fan of the films.

PLAYBOY: You flew out to New Zealand just to watch? He didn’t hire you as an extra or something?

COLBERT: [Smiles]

PLAYBOY: Are you telling us you’re in the Hobbit movie?

COLBERT: Could be. [smiles]

PLAYBOY: Can you elaborate?

COLBERT: [Fumbles with paper on his desk] So, uh, I was just writing Mr. Jackson a note to congratulate him on making The Hobbit into three movies. Because I think that’s just fantastic.

PLAYBOY: You’re not going to tell us anything, are you?

COLBERT: [Smiles, says nothing]

Viewers of the "Colbert Report," of course, already know about Colbert's Tolkien obsession. Watch the mashup below, during which Colbert challenges both Neil Gaiman and James Franco on their LOTR knowledge: