Stephen Colbert Lands First Post-“Late Show” Role Writing a New “Lord of the Rings” Film
Stephen Colbert Lands First Post-“Late Show” Role Writing a New “Lord of the Rings” Film
Rachel McRadyWed, March 25, 2026 at 3:45 PM UTC
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Stephen Colbert is exiting 'The Late Show' in May.Credit: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty -
Stephen Colbert is co-writing a new Lord of the Rings film with his son and original trilogy screenwriter Philippa Boyens
The film will explore chapters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring not included in Peter Jackson’s 2001 movie
Colbert announced the project after revealing his Late Show exit, citing newfound time to pursue this passion project
Stephen Colbert has officially landed his next role after The Late Show's cancellation, and it’s definitely a passion project.
The 61-year-old Late Show host, who is exiting the CBS program in May, announced via the Warner Bros. social media accounts on Wednesday, March 25 that he will be writing a new Lord of the Rings film that he and his son, Peter Colbert, pitched to Lord of the Rings filmmaker Peter Jackson two years ago.
In honor of Tolkein Reading Day, Jackson and Colbert made the video announcement, with Colbert admitting, “I’m pretty happy about it.”
The longtime Lord of the Rings super-fan, explained the origin of the upcoming film, sharing that he found himself re-reading early chapters from J.R.R. Tolkein’s 1954 book, The Fellowship of the Ring, which Jackson chose not to include in his hit 2001 blockbuster film of the same name.
“It’s, basically, the chapter is ‘Three Is Company’ through ‘Fog on the Barrow-Downs,’ and I thought, ‘Oh wait, maybe that could be its own story that could fit into the larger story? 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. “And I started talking it over with my son, Peter, who is also a screenwriter, and we worked out what we thought would work, especially as a framing device for that story.”
Stephen Colbert interviews Elijah Wood on 'The Late Show' on March 17.Credit: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty
The late night host admitted he had to “scrape up” his courage in order to pitch the idea to Jackson, but revealed that he did so two years ago, and they began working with Philippa Boyens, a screenwriter on the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, to develop the story.
Jackson then teasingly asked whether Colbert had the time to take the project on, and the comedian replied, “I did not think I would have the time, as much as I love it, I knew I couldn’t do that and do this show at the same time, but it turns out I’m going to be free starting this summer,” to which Jackson replied, “Isn’t that fortunate!”
Colbert then signed off, promising, “I will see you all in the Shire.”
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Colbert hasn’t been shy through the years about his love for the Lord of the Rings. In 2021, he honored the 20th anniversary of the Fellowship of the Ring on The Late Show, proudly declaring, “If you ask me, there is no better film series. Lord of the Rings is — without a doubt — the greatest trilogy in movie history.”
Deadline reports that Colbert’s film is being produced by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures and will be written by Colbert, Boyens and Peter McGee.
Stephen Colbert films 'The Late Show' on March 9.Credit: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty
This news comes as LOTR fans are preparing for the upcoming film Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Gollum himself, actor Andy Serkis and adapted by Walsh, Boyens, Arty Papageorgiou and Phoebe Gittins. That film is set to be released in Dec. 2027.
After replacing David Letterman on The Late Show in 2015, Colbert announced in July 2025 that not only was he leaving the show in May 2026, but the entire show was being canceled.
At the time, CBS claimed the decision was purely financial, saying it was, "not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount."
However, the network’s cancellation came days after Colbert criticized CBS’ parent company, Paramount, for its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, who alleged that CBS News' 60 Minutes deceptively edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount was also in the midst of a merger at the time, which needed approval from the Trump administration.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
