When it was announced in March that Stephen Colbert was working on a new Lord of the Rings film for Warner Bros., fans reacted with skepticism and concern. At the end of May, Colbert will be leaving his hosting duties at The Late Show, and many critics have noted the show’s leaning into progressive politics under his tenure.
Some are expressing doubt that the comedian will be able to do justice to Tolkien’s legacy and Peter Jackson’s beloved films. Others are voicing fears that the modern-day politics that defined his late-night persona will carry over into Middle-earth.
Stephen Colbert dances around with human needles – YouTube, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert responded to some—but not all—of the controversy surrounding him and The Lord of the Rings.
Fan Concerns Over Credibility
THR reporter Lacey Rose noted that there is a group of Lord of the Rings fans who were displeased that Colbert is working on the screenplay for a new film. She suggested that many are asking, “Why does Stephen get to write this? Just because he’s famous and a superfan?” and asked him to explain why they should trust him.
“I mean, there’s no reason to,” Colbert said, acknowledging the challenge to his credibility. “And there’s no value in me addressing that because all you can do as—I’ll use a loaded term here—an artist is follow your heart and the craft that you have learned to try to turn this into something that is not fandom but drama.”
Stephen Colbert speaks at the 2025 Emmys – YouTube, Television Academy
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The reframing of himself as an artist who has learned a craft may be intentional. It suggests that he is not just operating as a Tolkien enthusiast, but as someone who has prepared for this opportunity. Additionally, stressing that he is creating a drama and not “fandom” could reassure those who suspect the project is glorified fan-fiction.
Yet as the film is set to cover five chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring, that distinction may not land as clearly for some viewers.
Collaboration and Creative Guidance
Colbert also mentioned that he is receiving first-hand guidance in crafting his Lord of the Rings screenplay. “And luckily, I don’t have to do this alone. I have a great Sherpa in [co-writer and LOTR veteran] Philippa Boyens, who cares about it in the same way I do. And I will just say that every moment has been a joy so far.”
The Hobbits in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – New Line Cinema
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When the project was announced, Colbert said that his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, was involved in creating a “framing device” for the story. Many observers quickly noted that McGee has no screenwriting credits. He was not mentioned in the new interview.
However, Colbert did address what, for many, is the larger issue.
The Broader Critique
For over a decade, critics have argued that Stephen Colbert leaned heavily into progressive politics, always favoring one side of the aisle over the other. Ratings for The Late Show fell significantly after he took over from David Letterman in 2015. Many suggested that a major factor was limited appeal and predictable attacks on Trump.
Stephen Colbert on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert – YouTube, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
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As his time hosting The Late Show comes to a close, Colbert has said that it was his producer’s idea to lean into political humor and commentary. Whether or not Stephen Colbert can prevent that sensibility from spilling over into his Lord of the Rings film remains a point of concern. Until he addresses it more directly, his silence may say as much as his answers do.
Do you think Stephen Colbert can write a Lord of the Rings film without inserting modern-day politics? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
