Stephen Colbert’s love for “The Lord of the Rings” is more than just a casual fandom—it’s an all-encompassing passion that has significantly influenced his career and personal life. From writing a new movie to making a cameo in “The Hobbit,” and even speaking Elvish on “The Late Show,” Colbert’s Tolkien enthusiasm shines brightly. This deep connection with J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world not only brings joy to fans but also highlights Colbert as one of the most dedicated enthusiasts of Middle-earth. Let’s explore the myriad ways this fervor manifests in his life.
For the average person, enjoying “The Lord of the Rings” might involve occasional movie marathons or owning the books. For Stephen Colbert, his devotion goes well beyond these activities.
Throughout his career—from “The Colbert Report” to “The Late Show”—Colbert has showcased his Tolkien obsession. He has engaged in heated debates about Elvish linguistics, bested the series’ Oscar-winning screenwriter in a trivia contest, and directed a Middle-earth short film featuring the original cast. Peter Jackson, the renowned director, once remarked that Colbert is the foremost Tolkien fan he has ever encountered. Despite not having written a feature film script, Colbert’s enthusiasm is boundless.
Yet, this lifelong devotion has finally earned him a dream opportunity. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema announced that Colbert will co-write “The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past” with screenwriter Philippa Boyens and his son Peter McGee, while Jackson takes on the producer role. The film explores six chapters from “The Fellowship of the Ring” not adapted by Jackson, set 14 years after Frodo’s departure, following Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they revisit their journey’s origin while Sam’s daughter, Elanor, discovers a perilous secret.
Colbert’s knowledge and dedication make him a natural fit for this significant project. Here are several moments that illustrate why.
Declared the Biggest Tolkien Fan by Peter Jackson
During a visit to “The Hobbit” set in New Zealand, Colbert faced off in a trivia challenge against Philippa Boyens, co-writer of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Colbert emerged victorious.
Peter Jackson once stated, “I have never met a bigger Tolkien geek in my life.” Colbert’s childhood, filled with Tolkien’s works, meant forsaking school and sports to absorb every part of Middle-earth lore. Now, the man who outsmarted the franchise’s own screenwriter is co-writing the next installment.
A Cameo in ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’
Colbert, along with his family, appeared as Lake-town spies in the 2013 sequel. He humorously challenged audiences on “Late Show with David Letterman” to spot his blink-and-you-miss-it appearance. Director Peter Jackson later detailed the cameo on social media.
Reenacting ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ Scenes in Elvish
In 2018, Liv Tyler joined Colbert on “The Late Show” and surprised him with Arwen’s sword from the original films. They reenacted a memorable scene, with Tyler delivering her lines fluently in Elvish, much to Colbert’s delight.
Uniting the Cast for a 20-Year Tribute
For the 20th anniversary of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” Colbert produced a rap tribute, “#1 Trilly,” with appearances by many original cast members. The video celebrated not only the film but also Colbert’s long-standing dedication to the series.
Whether through trivia challenges, film cameos, or writing a new movie, Stephen Colbert’s “The Lord of the Rings” fandom is a testament to his passion and expertise. These endeavors not only entertain fans worldwide but also remind us of the enduring magic of Tolkien’s universe.
