Thousands of hopefuls have turned up to a casting call for George Clooney's latest movie project, 'The Monument Men', at the Babelsberg studios in Germany.

The Hollywood veteran will not only star in the film, but is also producing and directing the picture.

The film is set to take place in World War II - so those with blond hair and a military background were in high demand.

One hopeful among many, Ronald Koehler, was optimistic about his chances.

'I have waited long enough,' Koehler told Reuters. 'Now I thought, for something the military must have been good for. And so I am going there today.'

He had a better chance at getting a part than the few females who turned up at the auditions, choosing to ignore the casting call criteria that targeted slim men aged from 18 to 55 years old.

'We thought, we will try out anyway, it won't cause any harm' said hopeful, Lara Weiss.

Filming is due to begin in spring at the Potsdam studios.