3D Hobbit

The Hobbit director Guillermo del Toro says the film's studio backers are considering making the film in 3D.

The interest apparently follows the unprecedented box-office success of Avatar.

Del Toro made the comments on fan website TheOneRing.net, where he occasionally posts updates about The Hobbit.

"I wouldn't read much on it just yet, but now, after all this time, after Avatar doing the box office it did, we have had inquiries from above about The Hobbit being in 3D," del Toro wrote.

"No impositions or heavy leaning. Just inquiries. Just fulfilling my promise to let you all know if discussions ever started. Cheers, GDT."

Both he and Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson have previously denied the film would be made in 3D.

The remarks have fuelled speculation that the start to filming of The Hobbit will be pushed back. Filming was to have begun in April, but no announcements have yet been made about who will play central character Bilbo Baggins.

Avatar is the most expensive film yet made and has gone on to earn more than US$2 billion (NZ$2.8b) worldwide.

Visitors to the set of Hobbiton near Matamata have said work is developing, with key personnel such as Rings art director Dan Hennah on site.

"They have new hobbit holes they have lined out with sheets of plywood," a visitor named Ed posted on TheOneRing.

Jackson was unavailable for comment yesterday.