'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' Trailer VIDEO, Smaug Revealed and Orlando Bloom's Legolas Returns
After watching the first trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Tolkien fans will find themselves in for some non-canonical surprises.
The Desolation of Smaug is the second installment in The Hobbit series from Lord of the Rings helmer Peter Jackson. Following hard on the heels of last years' December release of An Unexpected Journey, the film will transport viewers back to the world of Middle-earth and the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from its denizen dragon, Smaug.
However, the film appears to be chock full of added characters, a storytelling choice that may help to enrich the viewers understanding of the plot and Tolkien's famous fictional world, but may lead others to feel it is just a money grabbing attempt to lure more viewers to the theater.
The biggest surprise comes from the appearance of a certain blond-haired, quick fire elf by the name of Legolas (Orlando Bloom). A fan favorite from the original trilogy, Leoglas returns alongside his father Thranduil (Lee Pace). Also joining the ranks of the elves is the newly created character of Tauriel as played by Evangeline Lilly.
Although the end of An Unexpected Journey gave a glimpse of Smaug's eye, the trailer gives an enticing view Benedict Cumberbatch's dragon surrounded by its riches as debates on flambéing the courageous hobbit Bilbo (Martin Freeman). Meanwhile the comically minded company of Thorin Oakenshield's (Richard Armitage) can be seen alleviating the mounting tension as they scrambling up statues, bob along like corks in the river, and sport some outrageous Dwarven beards.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug can be seen in theaters on Dec. 13.
