Stephen Colbert Steps Into Middle-earth

In a surprising twist, longtime The Lord of the Rings superfan Stephen Colbert has been brought on to help write the next installment in the iconic film series. The announcement, made by Warner Bros., comes at a moment when Colbert suddenly finds himself with more time on his hands.

The reveal was handled in a playful way by director Peter Jackson, who teased fans in a video before appearing to pull up a call with Colbert, who was hiding behind a book. The lighthearted moment quickly gave way to something more meaningful, as Colbert spoke about his deep connection to the original works and films.

A Sudden Change Opens a Door

Last year, CBS confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would be ending despite its strong reputation and critical success. The final episode is scheduled for May 21, marking the end of a major chapter in Colbert’s career.

While the cancellation came as a shock to many, it also created an unexpected opportunity. Colbert explained that working on a Lord of the Rings project had long been a dream, but one he couldn’t fully take on while hosting a nightly show.

Now, with his schedule opening up, he feels ready to throw himself into the project completely.

A Passion Project Years in the Making

Colbert revealed that he has been quietly working toward this moment for years. Alongside his son, Peter McGee, he had always hoped to develop a script set in Tolkien’s world.

At first, he had to build up the courage to reach out to Jackson. When he finally did, the response was encouraging enough to keep the idea alive. Over time, the project began to come together, as Colbert started consulting with key figures from the original films, including Philippa Boyens and executives at Warner Bros.

Their support helped move the project forward, eventually leading the studio to officially back the idea.

Returning to a Legendary Story

The upcoming film will draw from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, focusing on a new chapter that follows beloved characters after the original trilogy.

This time, the story will center on Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they revisit the early days of their journey following the death of Frodo Baggins. The idea is to explore what happens when heroes look back on their past—and how those memories shape what comes next.

The original trilogy, released between 2001 and 2003, became a global phenomenon, drawing millions of fans into Tolkien’s richly detailed world. Its final installment, The Return of the King, went on to win 11 Academy Awards, tying with Titanic and Ben-Hur for the most Oscars ever awarded to a single film.

A New Chapter Begins

For Colbert, this project represents more than just another job—it’s the chance to step into a world he has admired for decades. With the backing of major studio figures and the freedom to fully focus, he is now ready to carry on the legacy of one of the most beloved fantasy franchises in film history.

What began as a fan’s dream is now becoming a reality, as Colbert prepares to help shape the next journey through Middle-earth.

Phrasal Verbs

1. to pull up (a call/video)

Definition: to open or start something on a screen

Example: The director pulled up a video call to introduce the new writer.

2. to take on (a project)

Definition: to accept responsibility for something

Example: Colbert couldn’t take on the film project while hosting a daily show.

3. to throw oneself into (something)

Definition: to fully commit energy and effort

Example: After leaving TV, he decided to throw himself into writing.

4. to come together

Definition: to develop successfully over time

Example: After years of planning, the script finally came together.

5. to carry on

Definition: to continue something

Example: The new film will carry on the story of Middle-earth.

Discussion Questions

Creative Development

1. When you take on a major franchise like The Lord of the Rings, how do you balance originality with respect for the source material?

2. What practical steps do you use to help a complex script come together during development?

Production & Direction

4. During production, how do you decide which ideas to keep and which ones to cut when a film isn’t fully coming together?

5. When collaborating with a big studio like Warner Bros., how much creative control can a director realistically take on?

6. What techniques do you use to pull up references or inspirations quickly when explaining your vision to a team?

Writing & Storytelling

7. When adapting a book by J.R.R. Tolkien, how do you decide which elements to carry on and which to leave out?

8. What do you do when a story idea doesn’t come together as expected—do you rework it or start over?

9. How important is it for a writer to throw themselves into the world of the story they’re adapting?

Industry & Career

10. Have you ever had an unexpected opportunity come about that changed your career path? What did you learn from it?

11. How do you know when you’re ready to take on a project at a bigger scale or budget?

12. In your experience, what helps a creative career take off in today’s film industry?

Advanced / Reflective

13. Do you think filmmakers should carry on established franchises, or focus on creating original stories? Why?

14. When working under pressure, how do you throw yourself into the creative process without burning out?

15. Can too many collaborators prevent a film from coming together, or do they usually improve the final product?