Stephen Colbert has found his post-Late Show job.
The comedian has been tapped to pen a new Lord of the Rings movie, alongside Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee, which will be the second of two upcoming films in the blockbuster franchise. Colbert joined Peter Jackson to announce the news on social media Tuesday night.
The installment, with the working title The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, will come after Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum, which is currently in development from director Andy Serkis.
“Fourteen years after the passing of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure. Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, has discovered a long-buried secret and is determined to uncover why the War of the Ring was very nearly lost before it even began,” the film’s synopsis reads.
Colbert is best known for hosting The Late Show on CBS, but it will air its final episode on May 21 after the network decided to cancel the long-running late night talk show last year.
So far, the cast for Hunt for Gollum includes Kate Winslet in an undisclosed role, Ian McKellen returning as Gandalf and Andy Serkis reprising the role of Gollum, in addition to directing the film. Elijah Wood has also strongly hinted he will be back as Frodo.
The Hunt for Gollum, which takes place between The Hobbit trilogy and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, follows Aragorn and Gandalf’s quest to search for Gollum to learn more information about Bilbo’s ring, which turns out to be the One Ring that threatens all of Middle Earth during the events of Lord of the Rings.
Peter Jackson reteamed with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens — the Oscar-winning trio who initially brought the blockbuster The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies to life — to produce two new Gollum films from author J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved books. Zane Weiner is also producing The Hunt for Gollum.
The new film from Warner Bros.’ New Line division is set to hit theaters on Dec. 17, 2027.
More to come.
