Stephen Colbert, known for his deep love of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, is actively immersed in bringing a new 'Lord of the Rings' film to the big screen. The former host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert provided a brief update on the project while celebrating his show's multiple victories at the 2026 Emmy Awards, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The Late Show concluded its run just months prior to the ceremony but still managed to sweep several categories. Beyond the coveted Variety Series award, Colbert's show secured Emmys for picture editing, lighting design, technical direction, directing, and writing for a variety series. It was amidst this celebratory atmosphere that journalists inquired about his next professional endeavors.

Colbert, who recently stepped away from his nightly talk show, emphasized that his new role as a screenwriter is far from a leisurely pursuit. When asked what he was planning to do next, he quickly insisted, "That’s what I’m doing." He elaborated on the intensity of the task, stating, "That takes a lot of time, man. You ever written a Lord of the Rings movie? It’s a full-time job."

His involvement in the new Middle-earth film was first announced in March. Colbert is collaborating with veteran 'Lord of the Rings' screenwriters Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee. This upcoming movie is slated to be the second of two new films in the beloved fantasy franchise, expanding the cinematic universe that Peter Jackson famously brought to life.

The comedian's dedication to the project was further highlighted by his travel schedule. Colbert revealed he had flown directly from New Zealand, where production or writing efforts are presumably underway, to attend the Emmys. "Literally, I woke up in New Zealand yesterday. I flew here for the Emmys," he quipped, adding a touch of his characteristic humor about the time difference, "Yesterday, [when I was in] New Zealand [it was] was tomorrow there. I went from yesterday to tomorrow, so I don’t know how many days today has been. What did I say in my speech? I was hallucinating up there."

Colbert's passion for Tolkien's work is well-documented, making him a fitting choice to help shepherd a new installment. His remarks confirm that the project is well underway and demands his complete focus, promising fans that this new cinematic journey into Middle-earth is being crafted with serious commitment.