MNN - Mother Nature Network

There are many hardcore fans of JRR Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" novels, but none as large (in the media at least) as Stephen Colbert. 

 

The satirical host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," Stephen has let his love of the movies and books surface many times in the show. His most recent gush of affection came in 2011 when members of Congress referenced "Lord of the Rings" in comparison to the debit crisis. Using the many props and collectibles he keeps in his office, Colbert launched into his own metaphor explaining the situation. He also famously had Viggo Mortensen (who portrayed Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings" films) reprise the role for Colbert's Sept. 13, 2007 episode.

 

So it comes as no surprise that the 48-year-old has reportedly landed a cameo role in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy. In an interview with Playboy magazine, he hinted that a visit last year to the set of the film was more than just a sideline affair. 

 

"Peter Jackson invited me to the set last year," he said. "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."

When asked if he was hired as an extra, Colbert smiled; and in response to the question, "Are you telling us you're in the 'Hobbit' movie?" he responded, with another smile, "Could be."

 

The Hollywood Reporter and other sites are confirming from inside sources that Colbert does have a cameo — but will not appear in the first film "The Hobbit: There and Back Again" opening Dec. 14th. 

 

Now the big question: Is Colbert an elf, a troll, or some other creature of Middle Earth? 

 

Check out his hilarious "Lord of the Rings" geek-out below.