For some (diehard fans of the book especially), Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Hobbit was underwhelming in contrast to his work on The Lord of the Rings, though it still provided an enjoyable fantasy adventure. That looks set to continue in the second part of the trilogy. Here’s what to look out for.
- JUST LOOK AT IT.
Seriously, the art direction in this film is insanely beautiful. Icy mountains wreathed in mist; mystical elven halls laced with gold hues; butterflies fluttering in the treetops; and shafts of light piercing the darkness of an enchanted, spider-infested forest. This is every fantasy geek’s dream come true, even more so than Lord of the Rings. But would you expect anything less from Jackson? This is definitely a film to see on the big screen.
- Barrels and elves
Anyone who’s read the book will know of the dwarves’ watery escape from the halls of the elven king and it seems this will be a prominent scene in part two of the trilogy. Jackson sure knows how to deliver an action sequence and it looks like things will be no different here, with plenty of bows, swords and spectacular fight choreography.
- The return of Legolas
Orlando Bloom might not be everyone’s favourite actor and Hobbit purists may be alarmed to see Legolas included here when he’s absent from the book. Yet this is clearly another example of Jackson tying together his gigantic franchises into one consistent vision, just as he did with An Unexpected Journey. More worrisome is the inclusion of Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, a newly created character. Hopefully she will have a better impact than…
- Radagast the Brown
Widely considered the worst character in last year’s Hobbit film, we are thankfully only given a brief glimpse of him in this trailer. Fingers crossed his role will be diminished in future.
- THE DRAGON.
At last, we finally get a good look at Benedict Cumberbatch’s Smaug the Dragon – in essence, what the whole plot has been leading towards. After his turn in Star Trek Into Darkness, Cumberbatch has proven himself to be an actor more than capable of fearsome (yet alluring) villainy. Expect that to continue with The Desolation of Smaug.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is released on December 13th. Watch the trailer above.
Words by Ed Nightingale