Elijah Wood just shared a heartwarming update for Lord of the Rings fans: the core cast still stays in touch daily, even 25 years after filming wrapped. On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Wood revealed that he and his Middle-earth crew keep their bond alive through a group chat now named Shire Folk.
The chat’s name wasn’t always so fitting. Wood explained, “Dom [Monaghan] renamed it ‘Shire Folk’. It used to be called ‘The Hobbits’, but he thought, ‘Ah, it’s too on the nose.’” The group includes the main hobbits-Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, Sean Astin, and Billy Boyd-and they still message each other every day. Their conversations go beyond nostalgia: they compete by sharing their New York Times Mini Crossword scores daily. “We text each other every day,” Wood said, emphasizing that their fellowship extends far beyond the screen.
Why fans care
This isn’t just a fun fact. For fans, it’s proof the on-screen chemistry was genuine. Their ongoing friendship keeps the LOTR legacy vibrant, even as new adaptations and games continue to emerge. It’s rare for blockbuster casts to maintain this kind of daily connection decades later. For those who grew up with the trilogy, it’s a touching reminder of why these films still resonate deeply.
The group chat’s crossword ritual is peak nerd culture. It’s not just memes or throwbacks-it’s a daily challenge that keeps the cast sharp and connected. Fans on social media have already begun speculating about other inside jokes or traditions the Shire Folk chat might hold.
What it means for the LOTR fandom
With the LOTR universe expanding-think Amazon’s Rings of Power and a steady flow of new games-this cast’s enduring friendship serves as a rare anchor to the original trilogy. For players and superfans alike, it’s a reminder that the heart of Middle-earth isn’t just epic CGI battles, but the fellowship itself.
Speculation: Don’t expect the chat to spill any secret cameos or plot twists for upcoming projects. But knowing the cast remains close makes every reunion, convention, or anniversary event feel all the more authentic.
The bottom line
- The original hobbits still text daily in a group chat called Shire Folk.
- Their daily crossword scores are the highlight-no fake drama, just genuine friendship.
- For fans, the cast’s bond is as iconic as the movies themselves.