Stephen Colbert to Co-Write Upcoming 'Lord of the Rings' Movie

The late-night host and longtime Tolkien fan will collaborate with Peter Jackson on a new film set in the fantasy universe.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:52pm

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Stephen Colbert, whose late-night TV series is ending in less than two months, has landed a new gig as a co-writer on an upcoming 'Lord of the Rings' movie. Filmmaker Peter Jackson, who directed the blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' film adaptations in the early 2000s, announced Colbert's involvement in a social media video, describing him as a 'very special partner' on the project. Colbert, a longtime fan of Tolkien's books, said he and his son came up with an idea for a new story that could fit into the larger 'Lord of the Rings' narrative.

Why it matters

Colbert's involvement in a new 'Lord of the Rings' film is significant, as he is a well-known superfan of the fantasy franchise and has frequently incorporated Tolkien references into his late-night comedy. His collaboration with Jackson, the visionary director behind the acclaimed film adaptations, could bring a fresh perspective to the beloved fantasy world.

The details

In the video announcement, Jackson said Colbert had approached him about two years ago with an idea for a new 'Lord of the Rings' story. Colbert expressed interest in exploring earlier chapters of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' that could serve as the basis for a standalone film. The TV personality and screenwriter, 61, said the project was a family affair that also involved his son, screenwriter Peter McGee.

  • Colbert's late-night TV series is ending in less than two months.
  • Colbert approached Peter Jackson about his 'Lord of the Rings' idea around two years ago.

The players

Stephen Colbert

A TV personality and screenwriter, known for his long-running late-night comedy series and his deep passion for J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' fantasy universe.

Peter Jackson

A visionary filmmaker who directed the acclaimed film adaptations of Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' book series in the early 2000s.

Peter McGee

Colbert's son, who is also a screenwriter and collaborated with his father on the idea for the new 'Lord of the Rings' movie.

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What they’re saying

“It took me a few years to scrape my courage into a pile to give you a call, but about two years ago, I did. You liked it enough to talk to me about it.”

— Stephen Colbert, TV personality and screenwriter

“I'm pretty happy about it.”

— Stephen Colbert, TV personality and screenwriter

What’s next

Jackson and Colbert are expected to begin the scriptwriting process in the coming months, with the goal of bringing the new 'Lord of the Rings' story to the big screen in the next few years.

The takeaway

Colbert's involvement in a new 'Lord of the Rings' film project represents an exciting crossover between the worlds of comedy and fantasy storytelling, and could breathe fresh life into the beloved Tolkien franchise.