Warner Bros. is expanding the Middle-earth cinematic universe with a new installment. According to a social media announcement by filmmaker Peter Jackson, the project is titled “Shadow of the Past.”
The screenplay is being developed by television personality Stephen Colbert, his son Peter McGee, and Philippa Boyens, a seasoned co-writer from the original trilogy. This new feature is positioned to follow the release of “The Hunt for Gollum,” which is currently slated for late 2027.
Set fourteen years after Frodo’s passing, the narrative follows Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they embark on a pilgrimage to honor their friend’s legacy by retracing their historic journey. Meanwhile, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, uncovers a chilling secret that leads her to investigate a hidden history: how the War of the Ring could have been lost before it ever truly began.
A director and specific release window for “Shadow of the Past” have not yet been disclosed. In related news, Kate Winslet recently joined the ensemble of “The Hunt for Gollum,” which will see Ian McKellen return as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo, with Andy Serkis directing and reprising his role as Gollum.