Fired CBS Host Lands Huge New Hollywood Gig

Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:59 am

Fired CBS Host Lands Huge New Hollywood Gig

Stephen Colbert, the recently departed host of CBS's late-night show, has secured a major new project in Hollywood. Weeks before his final episode airs, Colbert announced he will be developing a new *Lord of the Rings* movie for Warner Bros. Studio. He will be collaborating with his son and *Lord of the Rings* screenwriter Philippa Boyens on the project.

The film will be based on specific chapters from J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Fellowship of the Ring*, the first book in the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy. Colbert, a self-proclaimed Tolkien enthusiast, explained that the film will focus on chapters not included in the original *Fellowship* film. The project, tentatively titled *The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past*, will utilize a framing device developed by Colbert and his son, screenwriter Peter McGee.

Colbert shared that he pitched the film to Peter Jackson, and the executives at Warner Bros. Studio also loved it. Colbert has previously collaborated with Jackson, appearing in his 2013 film *The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*.

The announcement marks Colbert's first major venture following the cancellation of his CBS show last summer. The show's cancellation came shortly after Colbert criticized Paramount, CBS's parent company, for settling a lawsuit with President Donald Trump. CBS cited financial reasons for the cancellation. Colbert took over *The Late Show* in September 2015, succeeding David Letterman. His final episode is scheduled to air on May 21st.

BNN's Perspective:

While the circumstances surrounding Colbert's departure from CBS are complex, it's encouraging to see a talented individual like him quickly find a new creative outlet. His passion for Tolkien's work, combined with his experience in the entertainment industry, could make this a compelling project for fans of the *Lord of the Rings* franchise.

Keywords: Stephen Colbert, Lord of the Rings, Warner Bros, Peter Jackson, The Fellowship of the Ring, Shadow of the Past, Philippa Boyens, Peter McGee, CBS, Late Show, Tolkien, movie, film, Hollywood

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