Full Breakdown
Stephen Colbert Joins Peter Jackson’s New Tolkien Film as Writer
5/15/2026, 3:30:48 AM
New Tolkien Film Announced at Cannes
At the Cannes Film Festival, director Peter Jackson announced that *Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past* will be co-written by *The Late Show* host Stephen Colbert. The sequel, set after *Return of the King*, adapts the “Fog on the Barrow-downs” episode from chapter 8 of *The Fellowship of the Ring* and will re-introduce the character Tom Bombadil.
Background and Upcoming Projects
Warner Bros. announced in 2024 that it is developing two more Middle-Earth films: a prequel, *The Hunt for Gollum* (directed by Andy Serkis), and the sequel *Shadow of the Past*. The move follows the original six films—three *Lord of the Rings* (2001-2003) and three *Hobbit* (2012-2014)—and seeks to film Tolkien passages previously omitted.
Key Participants
The project unites director Peter Jackson, writer Stephen Colbert, screenwriter Philippa Boyens (who flew to New Zealand for development) and Andy Serkis, director of the prequel. Warner Bros. finances the films; New Zealand is the primary location.
Timeline
Warner Bros. announced the two films in 2024. Jackson disclosed Colbert’s involvement at Cannes in May 2026. *The Hunt for Gollum* is slated for a 2027 release, after which production on *Shadow of the Past* will commence.
Scope and Numbers
*Shadow of the Past* adds a second new film, adapting chapters 3-8 of *The Fellowship of the Ring* and focusing on the Barrow-down episode.
Significance
This marks the first time a high-profile late-night TV host has a screenwriting credit on a Tolkien film, broadening the creative pool. The inclusion of Tom Bombadil also adds a previously unseen element from Tolkien’s work.
Official Statements
Jackson said Colbert reread the books over Christmas and pitched the Barrow-down segment as a film idea. He found the concept compelling, commissioned a treatment, and brought in screenwriter Philippa Boyens, who traveled to New Zealand for development. Jackson noted the pitch came before Colbert learned his show would be cancelled, with the final episode slated for the week after Cannes. He emphasized the story covers material “never filmed” in earlier movies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was re-reading Lord of the Rings over Christmas and thought this section would make a great film,” — Peter Jackson, Director
- “He pitched this whole idea… I said it sounds interesting, let’s have a go at this, doing a treatment. Philippa Boyens flew over and Colbert has come down to New Zealand a couple of times.” — Peter Jackson, Director
- “It’s a part of Lord of the Rings that we never filmed. There were these big chunks of Lord of the Rings that we skipped over,” — Peter Jackson, Director
- “Next week, he’s doing his final show and the next day he’ll be a Tolkien screenwriter,” — Peter Jackson, Director
Next Steps
Jackson indicated that script development for *Shadow of the Past* will continue after *The Hunt for Gollum* releases in 2027, with pre-production slated to begin in New Zealand. Further casting announcements and a tentative release window are forthcoming.
