Stephen Colbert, a well-known enthusiast of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, is collaborating with his son on writing a new movie set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. Warner Bros. made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing that Colbert, along with long-time series contributor Philippa Boyens and his son Peter McGee, will be penning The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. The involvement of Colbert was disclosed in a social media video by producer Peter Jackson, who introduced him as a “very special partner” on the project.
Colbert shared that it took him some time to muster the courage to reach out to Jackson, but eventually did so about two years ago. Jackson appreciated his idea and since then, Colbert, Jackson, and Boyens have been collaborating on developing the storyline. The concept for the film originated when Colbert discussed a potential framing device with his son a few years ago, envisioning a new journey for Sam, Merry, and Pippin set 14 years after Frodo’s passing.
The upcoming movie, Shadow of the Past, continues the legacy of Lord of the Rings adaptations, following Peter Jackson’s renowned trilogy and subsequent prequels based on The Hobbit. Additionally, the animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim was produced in 2024. Andy Serkis’ forthcoming The Hunt for Gollum, also produced by Jackson, is scheduled for release next year.
Parallel to these projects, Amazon Prime’s prequel series, The Rings of Power, debuted in 2022 as one of the most expensive shows ever made. While receiving positive feedback, the third season’s release date remains unconfirmed. In the gaming world, from the well-received The Return of the King in 2003 to the Middle-Earth series in the 2010s, the franchise has seen various adaptations. However, the game The Lord of the Rings: Gollum in 2023 was criticized as one of the worst ever, while Tales of the Shire in 2025 garnered mixed reviews.
Speculations suggest a new Lord of the Rings game is in the works to rival Hogwarts Legacy, as reported by Insider Gaming. Colbert, a devoted fan, often showcases his extensive knowledge of Lord of the Rings, frequently hosting cast and crew members on his show and engaging in trivia challenges. In a special tribute marking the 20th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring in 2021, Colbert reunited much of the cast in a rap tribute featured on The Late Show.
As his show, The Late Show on CBS, approaches its final episode on May 21 following the network’s decision to cancel it last July, Colbert continues to celebrate the enduring legacy of Lord of the Rings.