Stephen Colbert on Fans Claiming He’s Writing LOTR Movie Because He’s Famous

Stephen Colbert is opening up about the backlash surrounding his involvement in a new Lord of the Rings movie, and the longtime late-night host says some fans are making assumptions simply because of his celebrity status. As The Late Show heads toward its final episodes, Colbert also reflected on his career, CBS’s controversial decision to cancel the show, and what could come next for him in Hollywood.

Stephen Colbert speaks out on fan criticism of his Lord of the Rings movie

Stephen Colbert confirmed that he is deeply involved in co-writing a new movie set in the Lord of the Rings universe, a project he said has already been in development for six years. The comedian, who has long been known as a devoted fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, addressed criticism from people who believe he landed the opportunity because he is famous rather than qualified.

Instead of pushing back aggressively, Colbert treated the reactions with humor while also making it clear that his love for Middle-earth is genuine. The upcoming project marks a major creative shift for him as he prepares to exit late-night television after more than two decades between The Colbert Report and The Late Show.

“I mean, there’s no reason to. And there’s no value in me addressing that because all you can do as — I’ll use a loaded term here — an artist is follow your heart and the craft that you have learned to try to turn this into something that is not fandom, but drama. And luckily, I don’t have to do this alone,” Colbert told Hollywood Reporter.

During the interview, Colbert also reflected on CBS canceling The Late Show. He admitted the decision “came as a surprise,” especially because the network had recently extended his contract. CBS maintained the cancellation was “purely a financial decision,” though the move sparked speculation due to Paramount’s dealings with Donald Trump and the company’s merger process.

Colbert joked about reports claiming the show was losing $40 million a year, sarcastically saying, “I think we killed people,” before adding another dark joke about “bludgeoning drifters.”

Source: Comingsoon.net