J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was a British writer, poet, philologist, and academic, best known as the author of the high fantasy works 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. He is considered the father of modern fantasy literature. Tolkien is newsworthy due to the continued adaptation and expansion of his Middle-earth universe into film. Recent news focuses on Peter Jackson's announcement of a new 'Lord of the Rings' film, 'The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of the Past', which will follow 'The Hunt for Gollum'. The screenplay for 'Shadows of the Past' will be co-written by Stephen Colbert, a long-time Tolkien enthusiast. This announcement highlights the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Tolkien's work, as new generations of filmmakers and audiences continue to engage with and expand upon his imaginative world.