Stephen Colbert has confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role as host of *The Late Show* this May, marking a new chapter in his career. This announcement comes with a significant twist, as Colbert revealed he is co-writing a new film set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Lord of the Rings*, alongside his son Peter Colbert and renowned screenwriter Philippa Boyens.
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The project was unveiled during a video announcement shared on Warner Bros. social media channels, coinciding with Tolkien Reading Day. Colbert has long been an ardent admirer of Tolkien’s work and expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, “I’m pretty happy about it.” He indicated that the film will delve into sections of *The Fellowship of the Ring* that were omitted from Peter Jackson’s acclaimed 2001 adaptation.
Colbert’s inspiration for the film stems from his recent re-reading of certain early chapters from the 1954 novel, particularly those titled “Three Is Company” through “Fog on the Barrow-Downs.” He pondered whether these chapters could serve as a standalone story, complementing the narrative of Jackson’s films while remaining faithful to Tolkien’s original text. “Could we make something that was completely faithful to the books, while also being completely faithful to the movies that you guys had already made?” Colbert mused during the announcement.
The comedian explained that he had to muster the confidence to pitch this idea to Peter Jackson. After broaching the subject two years ago, he and his son began collaborating with Boyens, who was involved in the creation of the original *Lord of the Rings* trilogy. Jackson, known for his playful banter, even jested about Colbert’s availability to take on such a project. Colbert remarked that while he hadn’t anticipated the time commitment, the cancellation of *The Late Show* would free him up to pursue this dream.
In a light-hearted conclusion to the announcement, Colbert promised his audience, “I will see you all in the Shire,” inviting fans into the rich universe of Middle-earth as he embarks on this new journey.
Colbert’s enthusiasm for *The Lord of the Rings* is well-documented. In 2021, he marked the 20th anniversary of *The Fellowship of the Ring* on his show, confidently proclaiming, “If you ask me, there is no better film series. *Lord of the Rings* is — without a doubt — the greatest trilogy in movie history.” This fervour for Tolkien’s works undoubtedly fuels his current project.
Deadline has reported that New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures are set to produce the film, with the screenplay co-written by Colbert, Boyens, and Peter McGee. This collaboration promises to combine the creativity of Colbert’s comedic background with the dramatic depth of the *Lord of the Rings* saga.
Fans of the franchise are particularly excited about the upcoming film *The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum*, which is scheduled for release in December 2027. The film will be directed by actor Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum in the original trilogy, and will feature a screenplay adapted by a talented team including Boyens, Arty Papageorgiou, and Phoebe Gittins.
Colbert’s decision to leave *The Late Show* has sparked varied reactions, especially considering the circumstances surrounding its cancellation. Earlier this year, CBS announced the show’s end, attributing the decision to financial reasons and denying that it was linked to any content-related issues. However, the timing of the cancellation has raised eyebrows, particularly as it followed Colbert’s criticism of CBS’s parent company, Paramount, over a significant settlement with former President Donald Trump.
As Colbert prepares to transition from late-night television to the expansive realms of Middle-earth, fans eagerly anticipate what he and his collaborators will create. With a promise of heartfelt storytelling combined with a respect for the source material, the forthcoming *Lord of the Rings* film appears poised to resonate with both long-time fans of Tolkien’s work and new audiences alike.