The Lord of the Rings will get a sequel — the new film "Shadows of the Past" is already in the works

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially confirmed the development of a film with the working title "The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past." The script is being written by franchise veteran Philippa Boyens and renowned television presenter Stephen Colbert. Peter Jackson will produce, and his studio, WingNut Films, will handle production.



Project Details:

- Plot: The story takes place 14 years after Frodo's departure. Sam, Merry, and Pippin embark on a new journey, during which Sam's daughter, Elanor, uncovers a secret that nearly changed the outcome of the War of the Ring.

- Basis: The film adapts the six opening chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring that were not included in the original trilogy (including encounters with Tom Bombadil, Old Elm, and the Wights).

- Production: The project is being developed in parallel with Andy Serkis's film The Hunt for Gollum, scheduled for release in December 2027.

Stephen Colbert, who originated the idea, plans to focus entirely on the script after his tenure on The Late Show concludes in May 2026.