Why is Stephen Colbert making a Lord of the Rings movie with his son?
A new journey to Middle-earth is taking shape, and this time, it’s coming from an unexpected creative duo.
Warner Bros. has announced that Stephen Colbert and his son are developing a brand-new Lord of the Rings movie, expanding the iconic fantasy universe created by J. R. R. Tolkien.
The announcement arrived via a video featuring original trilogy director Peter Jackson, who first provided an update on the upcoming film The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Andy Serkis. Jackson praised the project’s progress, noting that it is “coming together really well” ahead of its planned 2027 release.
In honor of Tolkien Reading Day and the destruction of the One Ring, we bring you a special announcement. pic.twitter.com/ufh9RLBIxO
He then revealed a “very special partner” for the next chapter in the franchise, Colbert, a longtime Tolkien enthusiast. Appearing via video call, Colbert shared that his idea for the film stems from sections of The Fellowship of the Ring that were never adapted into the original 2001 film.
“You know what the books mean to me, and what your films mean to me,” Colbert said, explaining that he was particularly drawn to early chapters of the novel that explore the Hobbits’ initial journey.
The project, titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past, will build on those moments, weaving them into a new narrative that remains faithful to both Tolkien’s original work and Jackson’s beloved film trilogy.
Colbert revealed that he developed the concept alongside his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, before bringing it to Jackson. Over the past two years, they’ve collaborated with returning writer Philippa Boyens to shape the script.
According to the official logline, the story is set years after the events of the original trilogy, following Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they revisit the early steps of their adventure. At the same time, Sam’s daughter uncovers a hidden secret tied to the War of the Ring.
While this marks Colbert’s first major blockbuster development, he is no stranger to Middle-earth. The late-night host previously made a cameo in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and has long been known for his deep appreciation of Tolkien’s work.
With familiar creative voices returning and fresh storytelling angles being explored, the new film signals another ambitious expansion of the Lord of the Rings cinematic universe.