Andy Serkis confirmed that he will not direct the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Shadow of the Past," the script for which was written by TV host and long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, Stephen Colbert. According to Serkis, the studio has already found another director, but their name is being kept secret for now.
"I think that seat is already taken, so to speak. The story promises to be exciting. I know Stephen is very happy to be a part of it."
"The Shadow of the Past" will be another new film in the "Lord of the Rings" universe, but plot details and cast have not yet been revealed. The title refers to the second chapter of "The Fellowship of the Ring," in which Gandalf tells Frodo the story of the One Ring and explains the threat posed by Sauron's return.
Serkis himself is currently busy directing "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." The film will tell the story of Aragorn's hunt for Gollum and will be set between the events of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogies, with its premiere scheduled for December 17, 2027. The release date for "The Shadow of the Past" has not yet been announced.