Middle-earth is about to get a whole lot busier. With the third season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power just around the corner, fans are already gearing up for another trip to J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved world. But the big-screen side of that universe is also stirring, and now we have official word from Peter Jackson himself about what's coming next—including the long-rumored project from late-night host and Tolkien superfan Stephen Colbert.
During a recent chat, Jackson—who helmed the original Oscar-winning trilogy—confirmed the status of Colbert's mysterious Middle-earth movie. According to the director, the project, titled The Shadow of the Past, is currently in the scriptwriting stage. That's a major update for fans who've been wondering whether the talk-show host's passion project would ever see the light of day. Colbert, known for his encyclopedic knowledge of Tolkien's lore, has been attached to the idea for years, and now it's officially moving forward.
But that's not all. Jackson also offered a fresh update on the other big Middle-earth film on the horizon: The Hunt for Gollum. Directed by and starring Andy Serkis—who famously brought the tortured creature to life in the original trilogy—this new adventure is nearly done with principal photography. “We have The Shadow of the Past, which is in the scriptwriting stage. The Hunt for Gollum is almost finished filming. I think there are about two weeks of shooting left,” Jackson revealed.
For those unfamiliar, The Hunt for Gollum will fill in the gaps between the events of The Fellowship of the Ring and the Council of Elrond, showing how Gandalf and Aragorn tracked down the Ring-bearer before the fateful meeting that set the quest in motion. Serkis will reprise his iconic role, and the film is slated to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. It's a project that promises to deepen the mythology while giving fans a chance to see a side of the story that was only hinted at in the original films.
Meanwhile, The Shadow of the Past is taking a different approach. Instead of a straightforward sequel, it will revisit six chapters from Tolkien's novel that Jackson's films skipped over—most notably the enigmatic Tom Bombadil and the eerie Old Forest. Set fourteen years after Frodo sails to the Undying Lands, the story follows Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they retrace their original journey, while Sam's daughter Elanor investigates a secret tied to the War of the Ring. It's a clever way to explore untapped corners of the source material, and with Colbert's deep love for the books, fans can expect a faithful and passionate adaptation.
This news comes as the third season of The Rings of Power prepares to debut on Prime Video, with its first four episodes arriving on November 11. The streaming series has been expanding Tolkien's legendarium in new directions, and the upcoming season promises more epic battles and character drama. But for those who prefer the big-screen experience, the next few years are looking incredibly promising.
Jackson's confirmation also puts to rest any lingering doubts about Colbert's involvement. The comedian has long been vocal about his obsession with Middle-earth, even hosting a special Lord of the Rings marathon on his show. Now, he's getting the chance to leave his own mark on the franchise. While no release date has been announced for The Shadow of the Past, the fact that it's actively in development is a thrilling sign.
As we wait for more details, it's worth remembering that The Hunt for Gollum is just over a year away. And with The Rings of Power continuing to draw viewers, the appetite for Tolkien's world shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you're a casual fan or a lore-obsessed devotee, there's plenty to look forward to in the coming months and years.
Stay tuned for more updates on both films, and in the meantime, you can catch up on the most heartbreaking moment in Tolkien's saga—or dive into why Stephen King's novels are scarier than their adaptations for a different kind of literary thrill.
