Stephen Colbert's Next Chapter: Lord of the Rings Project and Life After The Late Show

An era of late-night television is drawing to a close. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert wraps its 11-year run on Thursday, May 21, featuring a finale lineup that includes Jon Stewart and Bruce Springsteen as guests.

While Colbert has joked about his post-show plans—quipping that theories range from joining CNN to launching a wildlife rescue to running for president—he's already confirmed a major professional commitment. In March, director Peter Jackson revealed that Colbert will co-write the upcoming Lord of the Rings film titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past.

The Lord of the Rings Project

The announcement came through a special video honoring Tolkien Reading Day. Colbert explained his vision for the project, focusing on material from the source material that hadn't been adapted in Jackson's previous films.

"I found myself reading over and over again were the six chapters early on in 'The Fellowship [of the Ring]' that y'all never developed into the first movie back in the day," Colbert shared in the video. The chapters span from "Three Is Company" through "Fog on the Barrow-Downs," which he saw as potential for its own standalone story within the larger narrative.

He collaborated with his son Peter, a fellow screenwriter, to develop the concept before reaching out to Jackson two years ago. The team has since worked with screenwriter Philippa Boyens on the story's development. After pitching to New Line Cinema and Warner Bros executives including Richard Brener, Pam Abdi, and Mike De Luca, the project received approval.

"I knew I couldn't do that and do the show at the same time, but it turns out I'm gonna be free starting this summer," Colbert noted, addressing the timing of his transition.

Personal Milestones First

Before diving into the screenplay, Colbert has significant personal events on his calendar. His brother is getting married, with the celebration taking place in Washington, D.C. immediately after the finale. Additionally, his son is graduating from college the Monday before the show ends.

"The universe has conspired to give me the proper perspective," Colbert reflected on the convergence of these milestones with his career transition.

He also revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he's already fielded project offers since his departure was announced, though he's taking time to consider what truly interests him moving forward.

What's Off the Table

Colbert has been clear about certain paths he won't pursue. He ruled out following in the footsteps of Conan O'Brien, who launched a podcast and travel show, or Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show.

Regarding stand-up comedy, Colbert noted that performing a traditional comedy set isn't in his immediate plans. "I didn't come up as a stand-up," he explained. "Improv is collaborative in its nature, and all the shows that I've done have been collaborative."

While he hasn't completely dismissed the possibility of a live performance venture down the line, he emphasized that launching a stand-up career isn't his direction. "It would be a big thing for me to do now. I could see creating a show. But I don't know what form it would take."