The Hobbit stars met the media in a press conference before it's World Premiere, Sir Peter Jackson had press from around the world laughing as he revealed how Barry Humphries nabbed the part.
Comedy is something that's more evident in JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, which was written as a children's book, unlike the much darker tale of The Lord of the Rings.
Jackson said the lightness and the comedy in The Hobbit was a joy.
There's an embargo on reviews of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, but that hasn't stopped those at yesterday's premiere from sharing their thoughts on social media website Twitter.
Reviewers cannot share their thoughts on the first installment of the trilogy until the film premieres in the US next month, howeversome of those lucky enough be at Wellington's Embassy Theatre appear to have largely enjoyed Sir Peter Jackson's blockbuster.
"Just saw #Hobbit. Having some serious frame rate envy. Amazing and involving. Loved it! And @ianmckellen118, my friend, you are brilliant!," he wrote on Twitter.
Singer was referring to the unique frame rate of 48 frames per second used by director Sir Peter, instead of the standard 24 fps.
Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce described the film as "masterful".
"Really enjoyed #Hobbit Unexpected Journey world premiere. Masterful movie. Congrats Sir Peter Jackson et al. Privilege 2 be there #HobbitNZ," he wrote on Twitter.
Fellow MP Peter Dunne also tweeted after the film.
"Premiere over - people seem happy and impressed, especially with the scenery and special effects."
Wellingtonian Kylie Klein wrote the film was "everything I could have hoped for", while Carter Nixon said there was "great atmosphere in the theatre" and the film is a "lot of fun".
