A new film set in the world of The Lord of the Rings has been announced.

A new full-length feature film expanding the The Lord of the Rings cinematic universe has been announced. Titled The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is already on the cards, this new project—currently going by the working title The Lord of the Rings: The Shadow of the Past—has brought in an unexpected name to the writing team: celebrated talk show host Stephen Colbert.

Who’s Behind It
Colbert will serve as a co-writer alongside Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee. He shared the news on social media, posting alongside Peter Jackson, one of the masterminds behind the original trilogy. This ensures the new film remains in the hands of creators who know the world of Middle-earth inside out.

The Film’s Concept
According to Colbert, the story draws from sections at the start of The Fellowship of the Ring that were left out of the original films. He mentioned revisiting those chapters multiple times and seeing the potential for a standalone narrative. The idea is to craft an independent story that fits seamlessly into the existing saga, staying true to both the books and the movies.

The Long Road to Reality
Colbert admitted he had been discussing the film’s concept with his son, who is also a screenwriter. Together, they worked out the story structure before pitching it to the original trilogy’s creators. He noted it took years to work up the courage to approach Peter Jackson, but about two years ago, he finally did. Jackson responded positively, and work on the script began shortly after.

Connections to Other Projects
The Shadow of the Past is expected to be the second of two new films expanding the franchise. It follows the previously announced The Hunt for Gollum, which Andy Serkis is directing. Both films are likely to be interconnected and will continue expanding the on-screen legacy of Middle-earth.

What to Expect
The project is already generating buzz thanks to its unique creative combination and its deep roots in J.R.R. Tolkien’s original work. The team aims to deliver a story that deepens the beloved world while retaining the spirit of the classic trilogy.