Stephen Colbert will co-write a new Lord of the Rings film following the end of his late-night talk show, according to multiple reports. The comedian and long-time Tolkien fan announced the project in a video call with director Peter Jackson.
Key Takeaways
Stephen Colbert will co-write a new 'Lord of the Rings' film after his late-night show ends. The film, titled 'Shadow of the Past,' adapts early chapters from 'The Fellowship of the Ring.'
- Stephen Colbert to co-write new 'Lord of the Rings' film with Peter McGee and Philippa Boyens
- Film based on chapters 3-8 of 'The Fellowship of the Ring'
- Working title is 'Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past'
- Release date not yet announced, but after 'The Hunt for Gollum' in Dec. 2027
- Colbert's late-night show ending May 21
The upcoming film, tentatively titled ‘Shadow of the Past’, will adapt chapters 3 through 8 from The Fellowship of the Ring, the first book in J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy. These chapters were not included in the original film adaptation and focus on the early steps of Frodo Baggins' journey.
Colbert revealed that he developed the idea with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, and Lord of the Rings veteran Philippa Boyens. The film’s synopsis describes Sam, Merry, and Pippin retracing their initial adventure while Sam’s daughter Elanor uncovers a secret about the War of the Ring.
The project is one of two upcoming films in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Andy Serkis will direct ‘The Hunt for Gollum,’ set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, with a release date expected in December 2027.
Colbert’s late-night show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will air its final episode on May 21. CBS canceled the program last year following controversial pressure from President Donald Trump’s FCC head, Brendan Carr. Colbert expressed excitement about his new venture, joking that he would be free to work on the film starting this summer.
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