Stephen Colbert recently shared insights into his ambitious project of writing a new film set in the “Lord of the Rings” universe. After being awarded an Emmy for his work on “The Late Show,” Colbert, who has been a devoted fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s creations, discussed the challenges and excitement of this full-time endeavour.
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The Emmy Awards took place on 14 September 2026, where Colbert took home the prestigious award for Outstanding Variety Series for “The Late Show,” which aired its final episode in May. Following the ceremony, he was approached by journalists keen to learn more about his future projects. When asked about what was next for him—aside from his writing—he candidly responded that crafting a “Lord of the Rings” film is both a demanding and time-consuming task. “You ever written a Lord of the Rings movie? It’s a full-time job,” he remarked.
Earlier this year, Colbert announced that he was working on the film in partnership with his son, Peter Colbert, and Philippa Boyens, one of the original writers of the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. This unique collaboration has allowed Colbert to merge his passion for the franchise with familial bonds, creating an intriguing dynamic for the project.
Adding a touch of humour, Colbert described his recent travel experience, which included a flight from New Zealand just before the Emmys. “I flew here for the Emmys and yesterday in New Zealand was tomorrow here. So I went from yesterday to tomorrow. I don’t know how many days today has been,” he elaborated. His travels seem to have contributed to a sense of disorientation, as he joked about not quite remembering what he had said during his acceptance speech.
At the Emmy Awards, Colbert expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team that had worked tirelessly on “The Late Show” for over a decade. He highlighted the contributions of the show’s crew, comprising more than 200 members, and particularly acknowledged the younger talent involved. “They are the future of our business,” he proclaimed, clearly emphasising the importance of nurturing the next generation of entertainers.
In addition to recognising his hardworking team, he offered thanks to his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, for her unwavering support throughout his career. He also addressed the audience at the awards, many of whom had been guests on his show, expressing genuine appreciation for their enthusiasm and loyalty over the years. “We hope you enjoyed the show. We had a great time doing it for you,” he concluded, leaving the audience with a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
While Colbert gears up to dive deeper into the “Lord of the Rings” screenplay, fans of both his late-night career and Tolkien’s legendary narratives are undoubtedly eager to see what this project will entail. As a self-proclaimed super-fan, Colbert’s insights and vision for both the characters and the lore could potentially present a fresh yet familiar perspective, appealing to long-time enthusiasts across the globe.
The transition from a celebrated late-night host to a creator of epic fantasy is both an exciting and daunting prospect for Colbert. As he continues to navigate the complexities of this new venture, his passion for the source material, combined with collaborative efforts from his son and Boyens, suggests a film that honourably expands on Tolkien’s cherished legacy.