We're finding out a lot about 'The Hobbit' movie this week, thanks to the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter. For instance, did you know Ian McKellen almost turned down the role of Gandalf for the next three Middle Earth-based movies? While all that's interesting to learn, our favorite 'Hobbit' fact actually pertains to a seemingly unrelated actor -- funnyman Stephen Colbert.

THR missed this little tid bit: the 'Colbert Report' host is obsessed with Tolkien. So much so, in fact, that he got to visit the set of 'An Unexpected Journey' in New Zealand, where -- get this -- he may or may not have shot a cameo appearance for the movie trilogy!

We know, it's too crazy to believe, but he definitely hinted at it regardless if it's just him pulling one of his famous Colbert cons on us.

UPDATE: THR has reportedly confirmed through a source that Stephen Colbert will in fact make a cameo appearance in one of 'The Hobbit' films, though it will not be in 'An Unexpected Journey.'

This all comes from a recent interview with Playboy Magazine (via Empire Online), where he revealed his visit to the 'Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' set upon an invite from Peter Jackson. "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." Then when he was pressed for info on a possible cameo appearance in the film, his answer was, "Could be," and proceeded to answer every follow-up question with a sly smile.

Sounds like a rouse, right? Or is it? Would you like to see Stephen Colbert show his beautiful face in one of the 'Hobbit' films? Do you think he's just blowing smoke up our butts? Sound off in the comments!

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