Stephen Colbert Credits SNL Alum for His Lord of the Rings Career Move
Stephen Colbert Credits SNL Alum for His Lord of the Rings Career MoveEvolve EditorsWed, April 8, 2026 at 9:52 AM UTC
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Photo Credit: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images
Stephen Colbert is stepping into a surprising new chapter after late-night, and he’s now opening up about the unexpected inspiration behind it. The talk show host credits a former Saturday Night Live star for shaping his next big move.
Stephen Colbert reveals the SNL star behind his Lord of the Rings career move
Colbert recently shared that Bill Hader played a key role in influencing his decision to shift gears creatively. Speaking on the Smartless podcast, Colbert pointed to Hader’s post-SNL path as something that stuck with him. After leaving the show, Hader quietly went on to write for South Park for a season, a move Colbert deeply respected.
Colbert recalled how that choice made him rethink career priorities. He said the idea of simply working on something you love, without worrying about status, felt right. He remembered telling Hader, “That’s the perfect thing to do,” adding that the mindset of serving projects you admire left a strong impression on him.
That thinking has now led Colbert to co-write a new Middle-earth film, The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. The project was officially announced shortly after his podcast appearance. A longtime fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, Colbert developed the story alongside his son, Peter McGee, before pitching it to filmmaker Peter Jackson. The duo later collaborated with writer Philippa Boyens to shape the script.
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The film will explore a new chapter in the timeline, set years after the events involving Frodo. Familiar characters like Sam, Merry, and Pippin will return, while a fresh storyline centers on Sam’s daughter, uncovering hidden truths tied to the War of the Ring. It follows another upcoming installment led by Andy Serkis.
Meanwhile, Colbert is preparing to wrap up The Late Show on CBS this May after more than a decade as host. The franchise itself is ending after over 30 years, marking a major shift in his career. If anything, his next move proves he’s taking his own advice: chasing passion over routine.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
The post Stephen Colbert Credits SNL Alum for His Lord of the Rings Career Move appeared first on Reality Tea.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
