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Fans of The Lord of the Rings can rest assured that the new movie featuring American host Stephen Colbert remains in production, debunking rumors that the project had stalled due to a merger between Paramount and Warner Bros.
Uncertainty began when Knight Edge Media claimed the film was on hold because of the new Skydance company, but the report was corrected the next day. Screen Rant's Rob Keyes clarified that the writing team is still working on the script, and Warner Bros. also reached out to outlets to confirm the project is active.
Announced in March 2026 under the working title The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past, the project brings together franchise veterans including director Peter Jackson and screenwriter Philippa Boyens, alongside Stephen Colbert and Peter McGee.
The narrative takes place 14 years after Frodo's departure, following Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they retrace the journey between the Shire and Bree while Sam's daughter Elanor uncovers an ancient secret.
The film does not yet have a finalized budget or a set filming date, while the next theatrical return is scheduled for December 17, 2027, with The Hunt for Gollum directed by Andy Serkis.
