John Kerry Discusses Iran, Kash Patel on Late Show with Stephen Colbert Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss recent developments involving Iran and FBI Director Kash Patel, as well as broader political tensions. During the interview, Kerry referenced a controversial article in The Atlantic that alleged Patel had engaged in excessive drinking and unexplained absences. Kerry, who previously negotiated the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under President Barack Obama, expressed concern over the potential for conflict, suggesting that neither Iran nor Patel should face military action. “If neither Iran nor Kash Patel are getting bombed,” Kerry said, “that would be better for the U.S.” The conversation turned to former President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Iran, where he threatened to “destroy a whole civilization” in the country. Kerry criticized Trump’s remarks as a “prelude to becoming one of the greatest war criminals in history,” arguing that such statements made war inevitable. Colbert responded with a pointed question: “Are those the best ways to negotiate? If you start with an act of war, is that the best way to start a peace talk?” Kerry agreed, adding that Trump’s actions undermined his credibility, even joking about the former president’s “FIFA World Peace Prize” — a reference to Trump’s 2025 World Cup attendance. Colbert also probed Kerry about Trump’s boast that he would have won the Vietnam War “very quickly” if he had been president during the conflict. Kerry highlighted the irony of Trump’s claim, noting that the former president was exempted from the draft due to bone spurs. “If he’s Jesus, he could cure his bone spurs and go fight the war and win all by himself,” Kerry quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.#stephen_colbert #kash_patel #john_kerry #the_late_show #the_atlantic
Stephen Colbert to Write New 'Lord of the Rings' Movie Warner Bros. has announced that Stephen Colbert will write the latest installment in the "Lord of the Rings" film series, leveraging the comedian’s upcoming summer hiatus from his late-night talk show. The studio revealed the news through a humorous video featuring director Peter Jackson, who addressed fans via a YouTube camera. Jackson teased the collaboration, calling it “a very special partner” and encouraging viewers to “see for yourself.” Colbert, who has long expressed admiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, shared his excitement in a statement. “You know what the books mean to me, and what your films mean to me,” he said, referencing both the source material and Jackson’s previous contributions to the franchise. The comedian also hinted at his desire to collaborate with his screenwriter son, Peter Colbert, on the script. “It took me a few years to scrape my courage into a pile to give you a call,” he joked. “But about two years ago, I did. You liked it enough to talk to me about it.” The announcement came as CBS confirmed the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” with the final episode scheduled for May 21. Colbert described the decision as the catalyst for pursuing the “Rings” project. “I knew I couldn’t do that and do the show at the same time,” he explained. “But it turns out I’m going to be free starting this summer.” The "Lord of the Rings" franchise has a storied history, with the original trilogy released between 2001 and 2003. A series of “Hobbit” films followed from 2012 to 2014, and a new prequel, “The Hunt for Gollum,” is currently in pre-production. Fans have eagerly awaited updates on the franchise’s future, and Colbert’s involvement has generated significant anticipation.#peter_jackson #warner_bros #cbs #stephen_colbert #the_lord_of_the_rings
Stephen Colbert to Write Next ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie After Leaving Late Night Stephen Colbert has revealed his next major project following the end of his 11-year tenure as host of “The Late Show,” announcing he will co-write and develop a new film in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise. The comedian, a longtime fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, shared the news during a conversation with Peter Jackson, the director behind the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the “Hobbit” films. Colbert expressed excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing his deep connection to the source material. The film, tentatively titled “Shadow of the Past,” is set to explore sections of Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring” that were omitted from the original movie adaptation. Colbert explained that he revisited these chapters repeatedly and realized they could form the basis for a standalone story while still fitting into the broader narrative of the franchise. He noted that the idea was discussed with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, to outline the story’s structure. Colbert mentioned that he took time to build the courage to approach Jackson about the project, eventually securing their collaboration. The project will also involve screenwriter Philippa Boyens, who has worked on previous “Lord of the Rings” films. Colbert expressed satisfaction that the team has embraced the concept, stating it will be the focus of their efforts moving forward. Colbert’s announcement comes as he prepares to wrap up his time on “The Late Show,” with the final episode scheduled for May 21. He humorously referenced the show’s conclusion in his latest update, quipping that he will be “free starting this summer.” Colbert has long been an avid fan of Tolkien’s work, often referencing the books and films in his comedy segments.#peter_jackson #stephen_colbert #andy_serkis #philippa_boyens #the_lord_of_the_rings
Another New 'Lord of the Rings' Movie Is in the Works Warner Bros. has announced the development of a new film in the Lord of the Rings franchise, titled Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. The project marks the first major expansion of the Middle-earth saga since Peter Jackson’s trilogy, with the new film set to explore untold chapters of the original story. The movie will be produced by WingNut Films in partnership with Spartina Industries and written by Phillipa Boyens, Peter McGee, and Stephen Colbert, a longtime fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. The film is scheduled to take place 14 years after the events of The Return of the King, following Frodo’s departure for the West. It will reunite Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they revisit key moments from their journey, while also introducing a new storyline centered on Sam’s daughter, Elanor. Elanor’s quest will uncover a hidden secret from the early days of the War of the Ring, revealing how the mission to destroy the One Ring nearly failed before it began. Stephen Colbert, who has been a vocal admirer of Tolkien’s work, developed the concept for the film two years ago in collaboration with his son. He shared the idea with Peter Jackson, who initially expressed interest but delayed the project until Colbert’s time on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert ended. Colbert confirmed that he had hesitated to pursue the project for years but eventually committed to writing the script after securing his freedom from the late-night talk show. The film’s plot draws inspiration from five chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring that were omitted from Jackson’s adaptation, including the Hobbits’ encounter with the enigmatic Tom Bombadil. This connection to the source material highlights the film’s focus on expanding the lore while staying true to Tolkien’s vision.#peter_jackson #warner_bros #stephen_colbert #wingnut_films #spartina_industries
Stephen Colbert Set to Write New 'Lord of the Rings' Film Stephen Colbert has been announced as a co-writer for a new installment in the Lord of the Rings franchise, marking his transition from hosting The Late Show to a new creative endeavor. The film, titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past, will be the second of two upcoming projects in the series, following Hunt for Gollum, which is currently in development. Colbert joined director Peter Jackson to reveal the news on social media, confirming his involvement in the project. The film’s synopsis describes a story set 14 years after the events of the original trilogy, focusing on Sam’s daughter, Elanor, who uncovers a long-buried secret about the War of the Ring. The narrative explores why the conflict nearly ended before it began, intertwining past and present to expand the lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Colbert’s role as a writer will be alongside Philippa Boyens and Peter McGee, with Peter Jackson overseeing the production. Hunt for Gollum, which precedes Shadow of the Past, is set between The Hobbit trilogy and The Lord of the Rings series. It follows Aragorn and Gandalf’s search for Gollum to uncover the truth about Bilbo’s ring, which is revealed to be the One Ring. The film will star Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Andy Serkis as Gollum, and Elijah Wood as Frodo, with Kate Winslet in an undisclosed role. Andy Serkis will also direct Hunt for Gollum, continuing his work on the franchise. The project is produced by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, the trio responsible for the original Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Zane Weiner is also listed as a producer. Warner Bros.’ New Line division is set to release Shadow of the Past in theaters on December 17, 2027.#peter_jackson #stephen_colbert #ian_mckellen #andy_serkis #philippa_boyens
Liberal Hack Tournament Features Don Lemon, Stephen Colbert, Jennifer Welch as Top Contenders The "Ruthless" podcast has announced the participants for its sixth annual Liberal Hack Tournament, also known as "Hack Madness," a viral competition where users vote for the biggest political missteps in media and politics. The event, modeled after NCAA-style sports tournaments, features a mix of established figures and newcomers, with former CNN host Don Lemon securing the No. 1 seed in the Liberal Activists division. Lemon’s position is notable given his recent criminal charges related to his involvement in the unrest at a Minnesota church in January. In the same division, Jennifer Welch, a far-left political commentator, is positioned as a top contender, aiming to challenge Lemon’s dominance. Other notable names include Stephen Colbert, a longtime satirical news host, and Jake Tapper, a former CNN anchor. The tournament’s format allows for unexpected matchups, with participants from different categories competing in a bracket-style structure. The event has gained traction as a platform for critics to highlight perceived failures or controversial actions by media personalities and political figures. The "Ruthless" podcast, known for its sharp commentary on media bias and political discourse, has turned the tournament into a recurring cultural phenomenon. Voters on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) play a key role in determining the outcomes of each round, with the final winner celebrated as the "biggest hack" of the year. The tournament’s popularity reflects broader debates about media ethics, political accountability, and the role of public figures in shaping public opinion.#stephen_colbert #don_lemmon #jennifer_welch #ruthless_podcast #minnesota_church
Ruthless podcast kicks off 6th annual Liberal Hack Tournament The "Ruthless" podcast has announced the participants for its sixth annual Liberal Hack Tournament, a competition that features prominent media personalities. Among the confirmed competitors are Don Lemon, Stephen Colbert, Jennifer Welch, and Jake Tapper. The event, which has gained significant attention for its format, brings together individuals from various fields to engage in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and knowledge. The tournament is expected to highlight the competitive nature of the participants as they navigate through the structured events. The inclusion of well-known figures adds to the anticipation surrounding the competition, as fans and critics alike look forward to the interactions and performances. The tournament's organizers have emphasized the importance of fostering a spirit of camaraderie and intellectual engagement among the participants, ensuring that the event remains both entertaining and informative. As the competition progresses, the outcomes and dynamics between the contestants will be closely watched, providing a platform for discussion on a range of topics. The Liberal Hack Tournament continues to be a notable event in the media landscape, offering a unique blend of entertainment and educational value.#stephen_colbert #ruthless_podcast #liberal_hack_tournament #don_lemmon #jennifer_welch
Stephen Colbert Reacts To Punch The Monkey Getting A Girlfriend Stephen Colbert, known for his sharp commentary on politics and culture, recently turned his attention to a more lighthearted story involving Punch, the viral monkey from Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo. The Late Show host has previously shown support for Punch, purchasing the same IKEA orangutan plush that the monkey famously uses as an emotional support companion. In a recent segment, Colbert addressed new rumors about Punch’s personal life, adding his signature humor to the situation. Colbert began by acknowledging the widespread speculation about Punch’s potential romantic relationship. “Rumors are swirling that Punch the monkey has a girlfriend,” he said, setting the tone for his playful take on the news. He then expanded on the story, noting that the idea of a monkey in a relationship has taken on a new level of intrigue. “Which means this update isn’t merely ooh-ooh ahh-ahh, it’s ooh-ooh la-la,” he quipped, blending humor with the absurdity of the situation. The host’s segment took a turn when he referenced a viral video showing Punch and another monkey, Momo-chan, sharing a smooch. Colbert used the moment to highlight the unexpected nature of the development, joking that the monkeys’ relationship had “gone from cute to complicated.” He also made a humorous remark about the need for protection, saying, “Boy, I hope somebody taught him how to put a condom on a banana.” The comment underscored the absurdity of the situation while keeping the tone light and engaging. Colbert’s reaction to the news reflects his ability to blend humor with commentary on everyday events, even those that seem out of place in the news cycle.#stephen_colbert #ichikawa_city_zoo #punch_monkey #momo_chan #ikea_orangutan_plush
Conan O'Brien, The 2026 Oscars Interview Conan O’Brien, the man Stephen Colbert dubs “the patron saint of ex-talk show hosts,” is preparing to host the 98th Academy Awards, a gig he’s approached with a mix of obsession and self-deprecation. The comedian, now 62, has spent months refining his material for the event, delivering a surprise set at Largo, a Los Angeles comedy club, to test his jokes with live audiences. Each performance is followed by a day of writer sessions, as O’Brien and his team debate what resonates with the industry crowd versus the TV audience. “I get obsessive,” he admits. “I want to turn it off, but I can’t. That’s not always a fun ride, but that’s the deal.” O’Brien’s first Oscar hosting stint in 2025 was well-received, prompting him to return for an encore. His approach to the role is both a professional challenge and a personal test. “It’s like this little baby bird that I’m cradling,” he says, gesturing as if to shield his jokes from his own relentless edits. Despite his meticulous preparation, O’Brien acknowledges the inherent risks of live television. “Any live telecast is a flirtation with disaster,” he notes. “Electing to run this particular gauntlet could justifiably be interpreted as masochism.” The decision to host the Oscars again comes after a career marked by reinvention. O’Brien retired from late-night TV in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that includes a successful podcast, a $150 million SiriusXM deal, and an Emmy-winning travel show. He’s also taken on roles that defy his earlier image, such as starring opposite Rose Byrne in the dramedy If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Despite his public persona of self-deprecation, O’Brien’s peers and family admire his work ethic and personal integrity.#conan_obrien #los_angeles #academy_awards #stephen_colbert #jeff_ross
