STEPHEN Colbert is heading from late-night TV to Middle-earth.
After wrapping up his run as host of The Late Show in May, the comedian and longtime JRR Tolkien superfan has announced that he will co-write a new Lord of the Rings film titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, Deadline reports.
The project was revealed in a social media video alongside director Peter Jackson, who will produce the film. Colbert is writing the screenplay with Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee, with Fran Walsh also producing.
The story is set 14 years after Frodo’s passing and follows Sam, Merry and Pippin as they retrace the earliest steps of their original adventure.
The film will also centre on Sam’s daughter, Elanor, who uncovers a hidden secret tied to how the War of the Ring nearly failed before it began.
Colbert said the idea came from revisiting The Fellowship of the Ring and focusing on chapters that were not adapted in Jackson’s original film trilogy.
He explained that he wanted to create a story that stayed true to Tolkien’s books while also fitting the world of the movies.
He also shared that he first developed the outline with his son, screenwriter Peter Colbert.
Jackson joked about Colbert finding time for the project, with Colbert responding that he will be "free starting this summer."
The announcement comes after the cancellation of The Late Show, which Colbert has hosted since 2015.
Shadow of the Past is now one of two major upcoming films set in Tolkien’s universe. The other, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, is set for release on 17 December 2027 and will be directed by Andy Serkis.
With Colbert’s deep love of Tolkien and Jackson’s return as producer, this new chapter in Middle-earth is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about fantasy projects in development.
Wait, is Colbert actually qualified to write a LOTR movie? What’s next, a cooking show about wizards?
Honestly, I think it’s amazing that he’s using his passion for Tolkien to create something new. Can’t wait to see what he brings to Middle-earth!
Stephen Colbert in Middle-earth? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Someone needs to remind him that not everything needs a comedic twist!
So what is he planning to do, make Gandalf a stand-up comic? Because that would be a hard pass from me.
Can we expect some political humor woven into the story? I have so many questions about his take on orc society!
I’m a huge Tolkien fan, and having Colbert involved is intriguing but also a little concerning. I hope he respects the source material.
Seriously, does this mean he’ll try to mimic Peter Jackson’s style? Because I’m not sure I want to see any hobbits doing the Macarena.
I’m curious to see how Colbert’s humor will blend with the epic themes of LOTR. Will it feel like a parody or a tribute?
Ugh, can Colbert just stick to late-night TV? The last thing this world needs is more comedic adaptations of classic literature!