Stephen Colbert to Co-Write a New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie After ‘The Late Show’ Ends

Stephen Colbert, the longtime host of ‘The Late Show,’ announced that he will co-write a new ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie following the conclusion of his late-night program in May 2026. In a video announcement with director Peter Jackson, Colbert revealed that the film will focus on chapters from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ that were never adapted into the first movie, specifically ‘Fog on the Barrow-downs.’ Colbert will collaborate with Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee on the screenplay for the film, which is titled ‘The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past.’ Colbert expressed his deep personal connection to J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and shared that this project allows him to combine his love of the series with his creative work post-television. He noted that the timing of the new movie coincides with the end of his show, allowing him to fully dedicate himself to writing. CBS had previously announced the end of ‘The Late Show’ in 2025, citing financial reasons amid challenges in the late-night TV landscape. Colbert has also addressed speculation about other post-show projects, including a potential Netflix deal and the possibility of public service, but confirmed his focus on the film adaptation. This marks a significant shift for the host from television comedy to fantasy cinema, showcasing his passion for storytelling and Tolkien’s universe.