Stephen Colbert To Co-Write New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Film
Courtesy of Scott Kowalchyk / CBS / Getty.
Stephen Colbert is stepping into a major new role after The Late Show. The comedian has been chosen to co-write a new ‘Lord of the Rings’ film alongside Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee. The project will be the second of two upcoming films in the franchise, with Colbert announcing the news on social media together with Peter Jackson.
In the announcement, Colbert explained that his inspiration came from revisiting early chapters of ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ that were not adapted into the original films. Specifically, he focused on the section spanning “Three Is Company” through “Fog on the Barrow-downs.” He saw potential to turn that material into a standalone story that still fits within the broader narrative — remaining faithful both to J. R. R. Tolkien’s books and Jackson’s film universe.
Colbert said he initially developed the idea with his son, Peter, who is also a screenwriter. Together, they shaped the concept and its narrative framing. After building up the confidence to share it, Colbert approached Jackson about two years ago. Jackson responded positively, and since then they have collaborated with Boyens to further develop the project.
A longtime Tolkien fan, Colbert also noted that executives at Warner Bros. (including Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca) were enthusiastic about the concept.
The film currently carries the working title ‘The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past.’ It will follow another upcoming installment, ‘Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum,’ directed by Andy Serkis. As with earlier entries, Colbert will collaborate with the original Oscar-winning creative team (Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Boyens) who were behind the original trilogies.
According to the synopsis, the story is set years after the original trilogy. Fourteen years after Frodo’s departure, Sam, Merry, and Pippin retrace their early journey. At the same time, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, uncovers a hidden secret and seeks to understand how the War of the Ring nearly ended in disaster before it began.
Colbert, best known for hosting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will conclude that chapter of his career when the show airs its final episode on May 21, following its cancellation last year.
Meanwhile, ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ is already taking shape. The cast includes Kate Winslet in an undisclosed role, Ian McKellen returning as Gandalf, and Serkis reprising his role as Gollum while also directing. Elijah Wood has also hinted he may return as Frodo.
Set between ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies, ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ follows Aragorn and Gandalf as they search for Gollum to uncover the truth about Bilbo’s ring; revealed to be the One Ring that threatens Middle-earth.
The film is being produced by Zane Weiner alongside Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens, and is scheduled for release on December 17, 2027.
MORE NEWS
