Filmmakers have become accustomed to feverish hordes of hopefuls, but things can still turn sour when one is directing one of the most anticipated films of 2012. Last week, ‘The Hobbit’ -Tolkien’s whistle wetter prequel to the trilogy of the one ring - got a few more hobbits at the door than anyone anticipated.

Peter Jackson’s film production team – 3foot7 – were swarmed by over 3000 hopefuls at their open auditions in Lower Hutt, near Wellington, forcing police to shut the operation down after only 800 were seen. The casting call described a search for men under 164cm and women under 155cm, which makes me wince with regret at the thought of living so far away from Wellington.

Though some have claimed that the original trilogy has not aged well, when I sit down to watch Lord of the Rings I always cast one eye upon just how truly awful the series could have been. All things considered, it is on an infinitesimally small list of fantasy features which won’t leave you feel dirty in the morning. I am hopeful that The Hobbit, too, can join that list.

Perhaps, Mr Jackson, a stampede of rabbling hopefuls is a fitting karmic punishment for releasing the trailer a full year before release? My anticipation is as hot as the fires of Mount Doom!

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