Hobbits Wanted (Eventually)

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The Web is atwitter this week with word that The Hobbit is hosting an open casting call for extras. If only it were that easy: A solicitation several weeks ago gave way to new casting announcement Monday, which in turn gave way to an update Tuesday, which in turn gave way to the dispiriting (for fans, anyway) news that applications would not be accepted until some time in February. The skeptic in me wants to attribute it to those development hold-ups Peter Jackson won't acknowledge, but the optimist says this will all happily work itself out in due time. All anyone knows for sure: You won't have to compete with Tobey Maguire. [The One Ring]