Colbert to co-write new Lord of the Rings film with his son

Stephen Colbert will co-write a new Lord of the Rings film for Warner Bros., teaming with his son Peter McGee and Philippa Boyens on The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. The story follows Sam, Merry and Pippin fourteen years after Frodo’s death as they retrace the original journey, while Sam’s daughter Elanor uncovers a long-buried secret. Colbert, a longtime LOTR fan, will begin after The Late Show ends; the project is part of a two-film slate that includes The Hunt for Gollum (2027) directed by Andy Serkis, with Gandalf and Frodo reportedly teased for returns but not officially announced.