One of the greatest fantasy works ever…
Stephen Colbert is set to co-write a new installment in the Lord of the Rings franchise following the conclusion of his CBS late-night program.
The announcement came during a Tolkien Reading Day video, where director Peter Jackson confirmed progress on The Hunt for Gollum before unveiling a second project titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past.
Jackson introduced Colbert as a writer on the project, praising his longstanding connection to J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.
Colbert said the film will draw from early chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring that were not included in the original 2001 adaptation.
A return to overlooked material
According to Colbert, the story will focus on a section spanning “Three Is Company” through “Fog on the Barrow-downs,” which he believes can stand on its own while remaining tied to the broader narrative.
He said the concept had been in development for roughly two years alongside his son, Peter McGee, and longtime collaborator Philippa Boyens before being presented to Jackson and studio executives.
Story details emerge
A synopsis outlines a story set years after the original trilogy, following Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they retrace their earlier journey, while a new mystery emerges involving Sam’s daughter, Elanor.
Mixed reaction from fans
Online reaction to the announcement was swift, with many fans expressing skepticism about the direction of the franchise and referencing past adaptations as cause for concern.
Colbert’s next chapter
The project comes as Colbert prepares to exit The Late Show, which CBS has said will end in May as part of a broader financial decision affecting late-night programming.
Colbert has not announced his next move but has indicated openness to pursuing new opportunities beyond late-night television.
Bottom line
Colbert’s involvement marks a notable shift from television to film and adds a new creative voice to a world rooted in one of the best-selling literary works ever and one of Hollywood’s most iconic franchises, even as debate over its future intensifies.
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