Stephen Colbert Co-Writes New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Film

Stephen Colbert co-writes a new ‘Lord of the Rings’ film with Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee. The project is the second of two planned films in the franchise. Colbert and Peter Jackson announced the news together on social media Tuesday night.

Origins of the project

Colbert said he returned to early chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring. He singled out chapters “Three Is Company” through “Fog on the Barrow-downs” as undeveloped material.

He worked on a framed version of the story with his son Peter, also a screenwriter. It took Colbert years to gain the courage to call Peter Jackson, he said. Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens then began development with him.

Working title and synopsis

The working title is The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. The story follows characters years after the main saga.

Fourteen years after Frodo’s passing, Sam, Merry and Pippin retrace their early steps. Sam’s daughter Elanor uncovers a long-buried secret about how the War of the Ring was nearly lost.

Creative team and studio response

Colbert will collaborate with Jackson, Walsh and Boyens — the Oscar-winning trio behind the earlier trilogies. Warner Bros. executives Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca reportedly supported the proposal.

Colbert is a lifelong Tolkien devotee, and his move marks a shift from late-night television toward franchise filmmaking.

Relationship to Hunt for Gollum

The Shadow of the Past will follow Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum. Andy Serkis directs the Gollum film, which is currently in development.

Hunt for Gollum cast and premise

• Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf.
• Andy Serkis reprises Gollum and directs the film.
• Kate Winslet joins in an undisclosed role.
• Elijah Wood has strongly hinted at returning as Frodo.

The Gollum film is set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies. It follows Aragorn and Gandalf as they search for Gollum and learn about Bilbo’s ring, later revealed as the One Ring.

Production and release timeline

Zane Weiner produces Hunt for Gollum alongside Jackson, Walsh and Boyens. Warner Bros.’ New Line division plans the film for release on December 17, 2027.

The Colbert-linked film will arrive after that Gollum installment. Further production dates were not announced.

Colbert’s transition from television

Colbert is best known for hosting The Late Show on CBS. The program airs its final episode on May 21, after the network canceled it last year.