[The Hollywood Reporter] Colbert Tapped as Screenwriter for New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Project as Peter Jackson Returns—‘Trump Assassin’ Actor Story Details

'The Lord of the Rings' selected as the new project’s screenwriter, 'Stephen Colbert', meets with 'Peter Jackson'

The iconic fantasy-film masterpiece franchise 'The Lord of the Rings' has officially revealed its new installment. Stephen Colbert, the host of CBS’s flagship late-night talk show, has been named the screenwriter for the new film. For now, attention is turning to director 'Peter Jackson', who will step back in and take the helm of the project once again.

According to reports, the working title for this new project is 'Shadows of the Past'. Set 14 years after the One Ring is destroyed and Frodo departs Middle-earth, the film will focus on the next chapter—centering on the Hobbits who stay behind.

Widely considered one of the most devoted fans of 'The Lord of the Rings', 'Stephen Colbert' co-wrote the screenplay with veteran writers behind the original box-office legends, including Philippa Boyens and Peter McGree. He said he has repeatedly embraced the challenge of honoring the original’s vast world while delivering a fully realized story that will satisfy long-time fans.

In particular, the news of his involvement in the new film has generated even more buzz, coming right around the time his signature program, 'The Late Show', was canceled. The talk show has continued with sharp political satire aimed at former President Trump, until the decision to end the series was announced last July. Now that he’s heading back to Hollywood’s blockbuster screenwriting scene after stepping down from the show, attention is turning to what he will do next.