Lord of the Rings: Stephen Colbert to Write Sequel Film ‘Shadow of the Past’

A modern installment in the “Lord of the Rings” saga is in development, titled “The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past,” with a script co-written by Stephen Colbert, the host of “The Late Show,” Warner Bros. And New Line Cinema announced Wednesday.

The film will be set 14 years after Frodo Baggins’ departure from the Shire for the Grey Havens, following Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took as they reunite for a new adventure. The story will also center on Sam’s daughter, Elanor, and her discovery of a secret that threatens to reveal how close the War of the Ring came to being lost before it began, according to a press release.

Peter Jackson, who directed the original trilogy, is involved in the project. Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote the screenplays for Jackson’s films, will also contribute to the script, alongside newcomer Peter McGee.

This marks the first major screen adaptation to take place after the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s narrative. According to Colbert, the script draws inspiration from chapters three through seven of Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” material largely unadapted in Jackson’s original films. The film’s title, “Shadow of the Past,” is also taken directly from Tolkien’s work.

The announcement comes as Warner Bros. Discovery continues to explore opportunities within the lucrative “Lord of the Rings” franchise. Another film, “The Hunt for Gollum,” directed by Andy Serkis, is also in development. However, “Shadow of the Past” distinguishes itself by venturing into narrative territory beyond the established canon of Tolkien’s novels.

New Line Cinema, the studio behind the original trilogy, is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The studio was founded in 1967 and has operated as a unit of Warner Bros. Pictures since 2008, according to Warner Bros. And Wikipedia.

As of Wednesday, Warner Bros. And New Line have not announced casting decisions or a release date for “The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past.”