What the data shows
What happens when a beloved late-night host combines humor with a nod to a regional delicacy? On March 18, 2026, Stephen Colbert made headlines with a joke about Skyline Chili during his monologue on ‘The Late Show.’ This joke was not only a light-hearted quip but also referenced a significant event: an asteroid explosion above Ohio that produced a shockwave equivalent to 250 tons of TNT. Colbert humorously remarked, “And now, to the skies, where yesterday, an asteroid exploded above Ohio, producing a shockwave with a force of 250 tons of TNT. Everyone’s OK, but it was the biggest explosion in Ohio since your uncle tried to Skyline 3-way.” The Skyline Chili 3-way, a dish consisting of spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheese, is a staple in the region, making it a fitting subject for Colbert’s comedic commentary.
Colbert’s joke comes at a time when he is also making waves in the film industry. He is co-writing a new ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie titled ‘The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past’ alongside his son and other writers. This film will be developed at Warner Bros. and aims to explore chapters from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ that were not included in the original film adaptation. Colbert, who had a small role in ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,’ expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The thing I found myself reading over and over again were the six chapters early on in The Fellowship [of the Ring] that y’all never developed into the first movie back in the day.”
The new movie’s plot will focus on Frodo’s friends, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, as they set out to retrace their adventure fourteen years after Frodo’s passing. This narrative choice offers a fresh perspective on the beloved story, allowing fans to reconnect with the characters in a new light. As Colbert noted, “Fourteen years after the passing of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure.” This storyline promises to delve deeper into the lore of Middle-earth, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Colbert’s collaboration with prominent figures in the industry, including Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote the original ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, adds credibility and excitement to the project. Boyens’ involvement suggests that the film will maintain the high standards set by its predecessors. The anticipation for ‘Shadow of the Past’ is heightened by the fact that it will follow the release of ‘The Hunt for Gollum,’ which is set to premiere on December 17, 2027.
As Colbert prepares for his final episode of ‘The Late Show’ scheduled for May 21, 2026, fans are left to wonder how he will balance his comedic career with his burgeoning film endeavors. The transition from late-night television to film production is a significant shift, but Colbert’s passion for storytelling and his deep connection to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchise suggest that he is well-equipped for the challenge. His dedication to the source material is evident in his statements about the importance of the books and films to him personally, saying, “You know what the books mean to me, and what your films mean to me.”
As the release date for Colbert’s new movie approaches, fans are eager to see how his unique blend of humor and storytelling will manifest on the big screen. While details about the film’s production and release remain unconfirmed, the combination of Colbert’s comedic talent and his love for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ universe has already generated significant buzz. The intersection of his late-night humor and cinematic aspirations presents an intriguing narrative for both his audience and the film industry.
