Must watch: The Hobbit 2 - The Desolation of Smaug trailer - News - Films - The Independent

The second instalment of The Hobbit franchise will continue where An Unexpected Journey left off, following Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, who has been brought in by Gandalf the wizard to help tackle Smaug the Dragon, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Cate Blanchett will star as Galadriel with Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins.

The poster of Peter Jackson’s latest creation was also unveiled on the film’s official Twitter account @TheHobbitMovie yesterday.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is due to open in cinemas across the UK on 13 December. It will be followed by the third instalment of the franchise in December 2014.

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