Stephen Colbert is penning a new Lord of the Rings movie, announced by Peter Jackson during Tolkien Reading Day. The project, titled *The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past*, adapts early *Fellowship of the Ring* chapters skipped by Jackson's 2001 film. Set 14 years after *Return of the King*, it follows Sam, Merry, and Pippin retracing their journey, while spotlighting Sam's daughter Elanor on her own quest.

Colbert, nearing the end of *The Late Show*, collaborates with his son Peter and screenwriter Philippa Boyens. Jackson, a fan, greenlit the idea after years of development. No cast or release date is confirmed yet, but the time jump makes returning actors plausible. This sequel-like film arrives as the trilogy returns to theaters for its 25th anniversary.