Brandon Fletcher
Anyone who has ever watched an interview featuring Stephen Colbert knows he possesses an immense passion for The Lord of the Rings. The soon-to-be former host of The Late Show has consistently showcased both his deep fandom and extensive knowledge of the books and lore throughout his show. He has hosted engaging panels at Comic-Con, participated in numerous podcasts, and seized every opportunity to share his love for this iconic franchise. Now, Colbert is taking his passion to the next level by co-writing a movie for Warner Bros. set in the enchanting world of The Lord of the Rings.
While many fans eagerly anticipate this project, some express skepticism given that Colbert is primarily known for his comedy rather than screenwriting. In a recent interview, Colbert acknowledged this concern. “I mean, there’s no reason to [trust me],” Colbert shared candidly with the Hollywood Reporter. “And there’s no value in me addressing that because all you can do as—I’ll use a loaded term here—an artist is follow your heart and the craft that you have learned to try to turn this into something that is not mere fandom but genuine drama. Luckily, I don’t have to embark on this journey alone. I have a wonderful Sherpa in [co-writer and Lord of the Rings veteran] Philippa Boyens, who shares my commitment to this project. I will just say that every moment has been a joy so far.”
The upcoming film, tentatively titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, is slated for release sometime after the filming of The Lord of the Rings: The Search for Gollum begins next year. This new story is set 14 years after the events of The Return of the King and takes inspiration from the fact that Peter Jackson’s films omitted some early chapters in The Fellowship of the Ring. “Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure. Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, has uncovered a long-buried secret and is determined to discover why the War of the Ring was nearly lost before it even began,” according to the original press release. Although not officially confirmed, it is widely believed that Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd will reprise their beloved roles as Sam, Merry, and Pippin respectively.
Colbert, who is collaborating on the screenplay with not just Boyens but also Peter McGee, initially had no plans to pursue this project. However, after CBS canceled The Last Show, he suddenly found himself with some unexpected free time.
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding when Shadow of the Past will be completed or who will direct it. However, fans are speculating a possible release window in 2029 or 2030. Do you trust Colbert with this iconic franchise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Daniel Mercer
