Bilbo’s back in the newly released trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Peter Jackson’s second installment of the Hobbit trilogy. Judging by the trailer, it’s sure to be a thrilling an visually stunning ride.
The Desolation of Smaug begins where last year’s blockbuster An Unexpected Journey left off. Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarfs have escaped from a mob murderous orcs, and the dragon Smaug still occupies the dwarf kingdom of Erebor.
The two and a half minute trailer shows the elven king, Thranduil, offering to help the dwarf king, Thorin, push Smaug out of his kingdom, however the dwarfs are hesitant to trust the elven ruler.
Fans of The Lord of the Rings will be happy to see Orlando Bloom’s Legolas featured prominently throughout the trailer. He’s accompanied by Tauriel, a warrior elf woman played by Evangeline Lilly. The two share intimate glances, but Tauriel is advised not to give Legolas hope of a relationship. I’m smelling a star-crossed lovers plot, how about you?
If you’ve read the books and are wondering who Tauriel is, she actually doesn’t appear in J.R.R Tolkein’s original novel. According to the Los Angeles Times, Lilly’s character was created specifically for the film.
Finally we can’t forget the title character Smaug, played through motion capture by Benedict Cumberbatch, Entertainment Weekly reports. In the final seconds of the trailer, Cumberbatch’s slithering voice grumbles, “Thief, where are you? Come now. Don’t be shy. Step into the light.” What follows is a heart-stopping moment that I can’t wait to see on the big screen.
The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters Dec. 13th, but you can check out the full length trailer below!
Image: Warner Bros. Pictures