Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy has an ideal ending, one which adheres carefully to writer J.R.R. Tolkien’s unique writing. However what if, a newly introduced movie suggests, we noticed what occurred subsequent?
Enter “The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Previous,” a brand new sequel revealed by Jackson himself and confirmed by Warner Bros. and New Line through a press launch acquired by /Movie. And as if the mere existence of this film wasn’t sufficient, one of many movie’s screenwriters is certain to boost eyebrows amongst followers all around the world: the one and solely Stephen Colbert, the famend actor, comic, speak present host, and famous Center-earth super-fan.
Colbert will collaborate on the script with unique trilogy co-writer Philippa Boyens and newcomer Peter McGee, and the fundamental premise right here is sufficient flip heads as a lot as Colbert’s mere involvement. In keeping with the official synopsis launched by Warner Bros. and New Line, the movie shall be set 14 years after Frodo left the Shire for the Gray Havens and observe Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they reunite for a brand new journey. In the meantime, Sam’s younger daughter will embark on a journey of her personal.
Whereas Jackson and firm have revisited Center-earth a number of occasions now, “Shadow of the Previous” represents a exceptional foot into uncharted territory: this would be the first massive display screen journey to happen after Tolkien’s narrative concluded. We’re getting into a realm the place the barrier between narrative enlargement and fan-fiction can look awfully skinny, if not dealt with with care.
The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Previous could have a novel construction
Colbert offered extra particulars concerning the movie’s story in a newly launched video, noting that the script was impressed by chapters three by way of seven of Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” which have been largely not tailored in Jackson’s movies. (Notably, “Shadow of the Previous” is the title of the novel’s second chapter.) Colbert means that this new movie will revisit this unadapted materials whereas additionally offering a framing gadget set after the occasions of “Return of the King.”
This is the official synopsis for “Shadow of the Previous,” which explains what the framing gadget will entail:
“Fourteen years after the passing of Frodo – Sam, Merry, and Pippin got down to retrace the primary steps of their journey. In the meantime, Sam’s daughter, Elanor, has found a long-buried secret and is set to uncover why the Battle of the Ring was very practically misplaced earlier than it even started.”
There’s quite a bit to consider right here. Does this imply unique trilogy stars Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd will return to their characters, now older and perhaps a bit of wiser? And does that imply the actors shall be digitally de-aged for the flashbacks? And what are we to make of Elanor and her discovery? The stakes, as described right here, really feel awfully small and private, however who is aware of — that might be precisely what a franchise this sprawling wants at this level.
That is one in all two new “Lord of the Rings” movies within the works, with Andy Serkis’ “The Hunt For Gollum” gearing as much as shoot quickly. However that movie, whereas increasing past the margins of Tolkien’s work, is firmly set inside the boundaries of the unique novels. If “Shadow of the Previous” will take us into the long run after Frodo, at the least a notable fan like Colbert shall be round to assist steer the ship.
