Stephen Colbert has an exciting new project lined up after wrapping up his 11-year stint as host of “The Late Show” in May. The beloved comedian, who is a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, will co-write and develop a new film in the “Lord of the Rings” series. He shared the news alongside director Peter Jackson in a recent video.
In this video, Colbert expressed his enthusiasm. “The books mean so much to me,” he said, acknowledging Jackson’s monumental contribution to the franchise, which has earned nearly $6 billion across both the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies.
The new film, tentatively titled “Shadow of the Past,” is one of two upcoming films from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema. Jackson also mentioned a project titled “The Hunt for Gollum,” set to release in 2027 and directed by Andy Serkis, another franchise alum.
Colbert revealed that this new movie will explore parts of “The Fellowship of the Ring” that didn’t make it into the original films. “I kept going back to those early chapters,” he noted. He teamed up with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, to develop the story’s framework.
Their discussions took some time. “It took me a few years to find the courage to reach out, but eventually, I did,” Colbert said, telling Jackson that their idea piqued his interest.
Now, Colbert, McGee, and Jackson are collaborating with screenwriter Philippa Boyens to bring the new story to life. “They loved it, and we’re moving forward,” Colbert shared.
Colbert’s final episode of “The Late Show” will air on May 21. CBS decided to cancel the popular program due to financial pressures. As he prepares to wind down his current role, Colbert quipped, “I’m going to be free starting this summer.”
Colbert’s passion for Tolkien is well known. He’s often referenced the series in his skits and even dressed up to moderate a “Hobbit” panel at Comic-Con in 2014.
This enthusiasm has resonated with fans, as recent social media discussions indicate a growing excitement for the new film. As the franchise expands, many are eager to see how this new direction unfolds, noting that the exploration of Tolkien’s lesser-known chapters could provide fresh insights into beloved characters and themes.
In recent years, Tolkien adaptations have gained renewed interest, particularly with the success of the “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” series on Prime Video. This trend suggests that both old and new stories within Tolkien’s universe continue to inspire audiences, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
With Colbert at the helm of this new venture, there is much to look forward to in the coming years.
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