Stephen Colbert, the renowned comedian and late-night host, is celebrated for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on The Colbert Report and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. A self-proclaimed “Tolkienite” and lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, Colbert’s passion for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is well-documented. In 2013, this passion culminated in a unique opportunity: a cameo appearance as a “Laketown Spy” in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. What makes this moment even more special is that it wasn’t just Stephen who stepped into Middle-earth—his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, and their two sons, Peter and John, joined him, marking a family affair that included the acting debut of his sons in a major cinematic production. Filmed on location in New Zealand, this cameo added a heartwarming, personal touch to a blockbuster fantasy epic. But is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug truly a family film, and does it mark a significant debut for Colbert’s sons? Let’s explore this charming chapter of the Colbert family’s journey.

A Tolkien Fan’s Dream Come True

Stephen Colbert’s love for Tolkien’s universe is no secret. He has often spoken about his deep admiration for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, even dedicating an entire week of The Colbert Report to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 2012. His enthusiasm caught the attention of director Peter Jackson, who invited Colbert and his family to visit the set of The Hobbit trilogy in New Zealand. What began as a visit to observe the filmmaking process turned into an unexpected opportunity to participate in the production. As Colbert shared on The Late Show with David Letterman in December 2013, Jackson offered him and his family cameo roles in The Desolation of Smaug, the second installment of the trilogy. “I don’t want to say where in the movie. It’s kind of a ‘Where’s Waldo,’” Colbert teased, hinting at the subtle but delightful nature of their appearance.

The Laketown Spy: Colbert’s Cameo

In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, released on December 13, 2013, Colbert appears as a Laketown Spy in the human settlement of Lake-town, a pivotal location where Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the dwarves pass through on their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. The scene occurs as the dwarves attempt to sneak into Lake-town, with Bard the Bowman’s son warning of spies watching their home. The camera pans to reveal Colbert, cloaked and wearing an eye-patch, his signature glasses absent, delivering a fleeting but memorable moment. His expression, described as “goofy” and “malevolent,” adds a touch of his comedic flair to the scene. The cameo is brief—easy to miss in the film’s 161-minute runtime—but fans with keen eyes, particularly on Reddit, spotted him and shared the moment in GIF form, sparking excitement online.

Colbert’s wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, also appears as a Laketown Spy, credited as the “second Lake-town spy” in the film. Their sons, Peter and John, joined them in the Lake-town sequence, though their exact roles remain less clear, with some speculation that they may be the children seen scampering away after Colbert’s moment on screen. This marked the acting debut for Peter and John, a milestone made all the more special by occurring alongside their parents in a film tied to their father’s lifelong passion.

Filming in New Zealand: A Family Adventure

The cameos were filmed on location in New Zealand, the iconic backdrop for Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth films. Colbert described the experience as a dream come true, having visited the set to watch scenes being shot and explore various filming locations. “I saw a 25-minute cut, and it was amazing,” he told Playboy, recounting his time in New Zealand. The opportunity to not only visit but also participate in the production was a unique bonding experience for the Colbert family. For Peter and John, stepping onto a major film set and appearing in a blockbuster was a remarkable introduction to acting, even if their roles were small. The family’s involvement added a layer of personal significance to the film, transforming their visit into a shared adventure in Tolkien’s world.

Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug a Family Film?

While the Colbert family’s participation gives The Desolation of Smaug a heartwarming family connection, classifying it as a “family film” requires nuance. The movie, rated PG-13, features intense action sequences, including battles with orcs, giant spiders, and the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). Its darker tone and complex narrative may appeal more to older children and adults than younger audiences. However, its themes of courage, friendship, and adventure resonate universally, and the inclusion of the Colbert family adds a relatable, human element. For the Colberts, the film became a family affair, not just in viewership but in creation, making it a cherished memory for Stephen, Evelyn, Peter, and John.

The Significance of the Sons’ Debut

For Peter and John Colbert, their brief appearance in The Desolation of Smaug marked their first foray into acting. While their roles were minor, likely as background characters in the bustling Lake-town scenes, the experience was significant. Appearing in a globally successful film—grossing over $614 million worldwide by December 2013—was no small feat for a debut, especially under the direction of Peter Jackson. The opportunity to share the screen with their parents in a franchise their father adored likely left a lasting impression, blending family bonding with a unique professional milestone.

A Legacy of Passion and Family

Stephen Colbert’s cameo in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, alongside his wife and sons, is a testament to his love for Tolkien’s world and the joy of sharing that passion with his family. The experience was more than a fleeting moment on screen; it was a celebration of their shared adventure in New Zealand and a chance to contribute to a cinematic legacy. For fans, spotting the Colberts in Lake-town is a delightful Easter egg, a nod to Stephen’s fandom and his family’s willingness to join him in Middle-earth. As Colbert himself described it, the cameo was a “Where’s Waldo” moment, but one that carries a deeper significance—a story of family, passion, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into a beloved fantasy world together.