Peter Jackson is one persistent dude. First his planned film adaptation The Hobbit was put through the ringer in court with what seemed like endless litigation over the rights and profits. Then MGM collapses and the money source failed. And finally, after years of uncertainty, the original director Guillermo del Toro made the tough call to walk away and puruse projects that might actually happen. But did any of that stop Peter Jackson? Hell no!

The New Zealander is still moving forward on his own dime so that everything is ready when someone throws money at him. The very first casting call for The Hobbit will be held this weekend in Wellington, NZ, on the lookout for scale-double stand-ins for the main cast, which despite many rumors is still short one Bilbo Baggins. Market Saw chatted with a spokesperson on the film who basically just said they’re getting ready for the inevitability of a green light.

They’re currently looking for really short people and really tall people, ranging from 4’ to 5’2”, or over 6’8”. Us normal sized six-footers are currently out of luck, but if you fit the description and are in New Zealand, hit up the Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre in Newtown this Sunday for your shot to stand where famous actors will stand.

I’m not a pessimist, but hanging on to hope that this movie will happen within the next few years is a fools errand. MGM’s fate has been hanging in the balance for too long now and the question still remains whether or not new owners will want to give Jackson the money he needs to fund his film. Will we see The Hobbit in our lifetime? Probably. But will it be anytime soon? Don’t hold your breath.