Warner Bros. has ambitious plans for Middle-earth, but one upcoming Lord of the Rings movie is facing questions before filming even begins.
Following a corporate shakeup, reports suggested studio executives were reconsidering a project connected to Peter Jackson's original trilogy.
Now, Jackson has shared an update about its future. But uncertainty isn't the only obstacle: some longtime fans already question whether this story needs another chapter.
Warner Bros. Takeover Raises Questions
The concerns surround The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, announced in March 2026.
According to Knight Edge Media, the project faced uncertainty following Paramount's acquisition of Skydance and the takeover of Warner Bros.
The changes also brought the departures of Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, executives who helped develop the studio's plans for more Middle-earth movies.
Reports suggested new leadership was reviewing upcoming productions, including Shadow of the Past. There were also claims that executives wanted to assess The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum before moving forward with another installment.
That raised concerns about delays or cancellation.
However, Warner Bros. disputed speculation about cancellation and maintained that the movie remained in development.
Jackson has since offered his own update.
Peter Jackson Confirms Screenwriting Continues
Jackson appeared at Spain's Sitges Film Festival, where he accepted an honorary grand prize and discussed upcoming projects.
According to IGN, he confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past remains in the screenwriting stage.
His comments indicate work continues despite uncertainty surrounding the studio.
However, Jackson didn't announce a filming schedule, casting details, or a release date.
The movie hasn't been abandoned, but that doesn't guarantee Warner Bros. will move directly into production once the screenplay is complete.
For now, its unusual premise is already generating debate.
New Story Returns to Familiar Middle-earth Territory
Rather than introducing an entirely separate adventure, Shadow of the Past will explore events connected to the original trilogy.
Stephen Colbert is developing the screenplay with his son, Peter McGee, and the original trilogy's screenwriter, Philippa Boyens.
Their story draws inspiration from six chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring largely omitted from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001).
But the movie won't simply adapt those missing chapters.
It also takes place 14 years after Frodo departs from Middle-earth.
Sam, Merry, and Pippin retrace the beginning of their journey, while Sam's daughter, Elanor, discovers a secret involving how the War of the Ring nearly ended differently.
The filmmakers plan to connect the two storylines, but some fans aren't convinced.
Fans Question Another Return to the Trilogy
Despite Jackson's involvement, some viewers want the franchise to explore different Tolkien stories.
“Nobody wants to watch a movie about Sam's daughter,” one fan wrote.
Another expressed frustration with revisiting familiar characters.
“Personally, I'm tired of all this already. I think they should set aside the trilogy by now and think about adapting other kinds of stories from other books by Tolkien.”
Others believe The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) already delivered a satisfying conclusion.
“Why? It's a great trilogy with a great bittersweet end. There's no need to add anything,” another fan argued.
These comments don't represent everyone, but they demonstrate the skepticism surrounding the premise.
Another Lord of the Rings Movie Nears Completion
Meanwhile, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is considerably further along.
Andy Serkis directs the movie and reprises his role from Jackson's trilogy.
During his October appearance at Sitges, Jackson said that approximately two weeks of filming remained. Production could finish soon, although no official completion date has been announced.
Warner Bros. plans to release the film on December 17, 2027.
Jackson also confirmed that the screenplay for a second Tintin movie is complete and that he intends to direct it next.
As for Shadow of the Past, development continues without an announced filming schedule.
Whether fans embrace another chapter of the original story remains a separate question.
