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Stephen Colbert Co-writes New LOTR Film ‘Shadow of the Past’

5/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Stephen Colbert announced he will co-write a Lord of the Rings film titled Shadow of the Past.
He will write the script with veteran screenwriter Philippa Boyens, with Peter Jackson backing it.
The story, set 14 years after Return of the King, follows Sam, Merry and Pippin recounting their adventure for Sam’s daughter Elanor and includes Tom Bombadil.
No release date is set, though speculation points to 2029 or 2030.

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Story summary

Stephen Colbert announced he will co-write a Lord of the Rings film titled Shadow of the Past.
He will write the script with veteran screenwriter Philippa Boyens, with Peter Jackson backing it.
The story, set 14 years after Return of the King, follows Sam, Merry and Pippin recounting their adventure for Sam’s daughter Elanor and includes Tom Bombadil.
No release date is set, though speculation points to 2029 or 2030.