- Primary Subject: The Lord of the Rings: Shadows from the Past
- Key Update: A new film co-written by Stephen Colbert will adapt six chapters from the original books that were omitted from the Peter Jackson trilogy.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 26, 2026
- Quick Answer: Shadows from the Past adapts lost Tolkien chapters like the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil, focusing on Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Sam's daughter.
Another The Lord of the Rings movie is on the horizon, bringing viewers back to Middle-earth to follow Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Sam’s daughter after Frodo’s supposed death.
Co-written by Stephen Colbert, Philippa Boyens, and Peter McGee, the film, titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past, will adapt chapters that were cut from Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy.
As the The Late Show host revealed in a video announcement with Jackson, Shadows from the Past will explore six chapters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. So, which stories will it tell?
Book 1 Chapter 3: “Three is Company”
The third chapter of the first book in The Fellowship of the Ring, “Three Is Company,” continues the story after Frodo and Sam leave the Shire.
While it is briefly covered in the movie, it is not as detailed as in the book. In this chapter, Frodo is seen selling Bag End and holding a farewell celebration before leaving.
He then buys a house across the Brandywine River to avoid suspicion about his true plans.
Merry and Fatty Bolger later join Frodo, Sam, and Pippin. Along the way, the group encounters a Black Rider and is forced to hide before later running into Elves, who help protect them from the Nazgûl – a moment also featured in the original The Lord of the Rings film.
Book 1 Chapter 4: “A Short Cut to Mushrooms”
Also from The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapter 4, “A Short Cut to Mushrooms,” follows Frodo, Sam, and Pippin as they continue their journey to the Brandywine River while trying to avoid the Nazgûl.
Along the way, they meet Farmer Maggot as they pass through his fields and eventually share a meal at his home.
During their stay, they learn that Sauron’s minions are searching for them. Later, they find Merry waiting near the river as they continue on their journey.
Book 1 Chapter 5: “A Conspiracy Unmasked”
In “A Conspiracy Unmasked,” Frodo and his friends are at his home near the Brandywine River, where he reveals to Merry, Pippin, and Fatty Bolger his true plan for buying the house.
Surprisingly, the three already know his intentions after Sam overhears Frodo’s conversation with Gandalf.
Merry and Pippin agree to accompany Frodo, while Fatty Bolger stays behind to look after the house.
However, since this storyline’s timeline doesn’t perfectly align with the original trilogy, Colbert may need to make some adjustments to fit the established story.
Book 1 Chapter 6: “The Old Forest”
The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapter 6, “The Old Forest,” follows Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they enter the mysterious forest, where the adventure in Shadows of the Past is expected to begin.
As the group becomes lost, they get the help of Tom Bombadil, an enigmatic, ancient, and joyful being who does not appear in Peter Jackson’s original The Lord of the Rings trilogy but makes an appearance in The Rings of Power Season 2.
The chapter ends with Tom inviting Frodo and his friends to his home, setting the stage for the next part of their journey.
Book 1 Chapter 7: “In the House of Tom Bombadil”
“In the House of Tom Bombadil” explores one of Tolkien’s most mysterious characters in a whimsical and entertaining way.
Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin enjoy singing and storytelling while staying with Tom and his wife, Goldberry.
But despite the lighthearted moments, conflict looms as the hobbits are later captured by the Barrow-wight.
Tom also briefly takes hold of the One Ring and Frodo puts it on, leaving viewers curious to see how this will play out in Shadows of the Past.
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