Stephen Colbert Co-Writing New 'Lord of the Rings' Movie | THR News
Why It Matters
Colbert’s entry brings fresh creative energy and a broader audience to the expanding Lord of the Rings franchise, while marking his transition from late‑night host to screenwriter.
Key Takeaways
- •Stephen Colbert joins new LOTR franchise as co-writer
- •Collaboration includes his son Peter McGee and writer Philip Aboyens
- •Film titled "Shadow of the Past" follows "Hunt for Gollum"
- •Project aims to honor both Tolkien books and Jackson movies
- •Colbert’s schedule frees up after Late Show ends May 21
Summary
Stephen Colbert, the former host of CBS’s The Late Show, announced that he will co‑write the next installment of the Lord of the Rings franchise. The project, revealed on social media alongside director Peter Jackson, marks the comedian’s first foray into high‑budget fantasy filmmaking.
Colbert will write the film with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, and veteran writer Philip Aboyens. Titled "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past," the movie is slated as the second of two upcoming entries, following Andy Serkis’s "Hunt for Gollum." The team says they are mining early‑book chapters that were omitted from Jackson’s original trilogy, aiming to expand the narrative while staying true to both the source material and the existing movies.
Colbert explained, "I kept reading the first six chapters over and over… I thought maybe that could be its own story that fits into the larger story." He also noted that it took him "a few years to scrape my courage" to approach Jackson, and that Warner Brothers has embraced the concept.
The collaboration signals a rare crossover between late‑night television talent and blockbuster cinema, potentially drawing new audiences to the Tolkien universe. With the Late Show ending on May 21, Colbert’s shift to screenwriting could broaden his creative portfolio and influence the franchise’s direction as it expands beyond the original film trilogy.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...