Celebrated American television host Stephen Colbert has unveiled his ambitious post-talk show venture: co-authoring a new cinematic addition to the Lord of the Rings universe. Following CBS’s announcement last summer to conclude The Late Show after its 33-year run this May, Colbert is channeling his renowned passion for J.R.R. Tolkien’s works into a creative partnership with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee.
The project, reportedly titled *The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past*, will adapt chapters three through eight from *The Fellowship of the Ring*. These early sections, which depict Frodo Baggins and his fellow hobbits embarking on their monumental quest, were not fully developed in Peter Jackson’s original film trilogy. Colbert revealed that he conceptualized the film years ago but deferred the project due to his television commitments. ‘As much as I love it,’ Colbert remarked, ‘I knew I couldn’t do that [film] and do the show at the same time. But it turns out I’m going to be free starting this summer.’
In a collaborative effort with Philippa Boyens—co-writer of the previous *Lord of the Rings* and *Hobbit* films—Colbert and McGee aim to create a narrative that is ‘completely faithful to the books while also being completely faithful to the movies.’ The official synopsis indicates the story will follow Samwise Gamgee, Merry, and Pippin as they retrace their initial journey fourteen years after Frodo’s departure, while Sam’s daughter Elanor investigates a buried secret that nearly jeopardized the War of the Ring before it commenced.
Colbert, a self-professed Tolkien superfan, described mustering the courage to pitch the idea to director Peter Jackson two years ago. Jackson, who helmed the Oscar-winning trilogy and subsequent Hobbit films, endorsed the concept. This new film joins other upcoming Tolkien adaptations, including *The Hunt for Gollum*, directed by Andy Serkis and scheduled for 2027 release.