Watch The First Trailer For The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

Not content with adapting one series of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, director Peter Jackson launched a brand new franchise last year with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. What was perhaps more unexpected was the news that the New Zealander was to stretch out the pamphlet-sized book into another trilogy. In time for a worldwide release at the end of the year, whet your whistles on this. Now you can witness the first trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

There’s plenty to feast your eyes on in this preview, but we won’t spoil it, so venture forth and watch it for yoursElves!

Jackson was at the receiving end of some confusion and raised voices when he announced he’d adapt Tolkien’s The Hobbit as a three-parter. It reeks a little of cashcow, to be honest. The first entry, released in December last year, really excelled after the 90 minute mark. But that’s coming from the cinema-watching eye of someone who isn’t an over zealous fan of Middle Earth.

This last week has in addition, gifted us two new images. First was a look at the always lovely Evangeline Lilly as Sylvan elf Tauriel, who serves as the head of the Elven guard. Another touch of unease from fans arose when Tauriel’s presence in the film was announced. Why? Because she’s not in the original book! How dare filmmakers take source material and appropriate it as they see fit to better suit a feature length film? Lilly looks badass though and will make a most welcome addition to Bilbo’s journey. The second was a fantastic first poster for the film, which echoes the sheer scale of the film and Smaug’s lair.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug lands in theatres on December 13th in IMAX and 3D.

Not enough Elves? Too many Dwarves? A distinct absence of car chases? Let us know what you think of the trailer in the comments below!