Stephen Colbert to Co-Write New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Film Following ‘The Hunt for Gollum’
Stephen Colbert, known for his perform as host of “The Late Show,” is set to co-write a new installment in the “Lord of the Rings” film franchise. The announcement, made Tuesday night via the official “Lord of the Rings” social channels, revealed the project, titled “The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past,” will follow the 2027 release of Andy Serkis’ “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.”
Peter Jackson, director of the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” trilogy, confirmed that Serkis’ film is progressing well. “Andy is doing a terrific job. It’s looking amazing. The script is coming together really well and I think it’s going to be a really good film,” Jackson stated in a video announcement.
A New Story Rooted in Tolkien’s Lore
“The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past” will draw upon chapters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring” that were not included in Jackson’s 2001 film adaptation. Specifically, the movie will be based on chapters “Three Is Company” through “Fog on the Barrow-downs.” Colbert, a lifelong Tolkien fan, explained his vision for the film: “Could we produce something that was completely faithful to the books while also being completely faithful to the movies that you guys had already made?” as reported by The Guardian.
The film’s official synopsis reveals the plot will unfold fourteen years after the passing of Frodo, following Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they retrace their initial journey. Simultaneously, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, uncovers a hidden secret that sheds light on how close the War of the Ring came to being lost before it even began. The Hollywood Reporter details.
Creative Team and Colbert’s Previous Connection to Middle-earth
Colbert will collaborate with Philippa Boyens, a veteran screenwriter of Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films, and Peter McGee on the screenplay. Boyens also co-wrote Jackson’s 2005 film, “King Kong.” McGee’s previous work includes contributions to “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “Outer Banks,” “The Righteous Gemstones,” and “Blue Bloods.”
This isn’t Colbert’s first foray into the world of Middle-earth. He previously had a cameo in Jackson’s 2013 film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” alongside his family. He directed Jackson, along with stars Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and Elijah Wood, in the 2019 short film “Darrylgorn,” set within Tolkien’s universe.
“The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past” will be produced by WingNut Films in association with Spartina Industries and distributed by New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. Pictures.