See the new Hobbit trailer: ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ [Video]

Warner Bros. debuted the first trailer for “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” on Tuesday afternoon, offering the first look at the second installment of Peter Jackson’s massive adaptation of Tolkein’s novel.

Judging by the two-minute teaser, there will be plenty of high-def, special effects-enhanced action, full of elves, dwarves, wizards and goblins. Perhaps more to the point, there will be a dragon: specifically the fire-breather Smaug, voiced by British actor Benedict Cumberbatch who, before taking on the part of the great worm, was previously seen inhabiting the roles of Sherlock Holmes, Christopher Tiejens of “Parade’s End,” and the villain Khan in “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Cumberbatch also reportedly provides the voice and motion-capture for the Necromancer, who appeared in the trilogy’s first installment, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” In the new Hobbit film, Martin Freeman is returning as Bilbo Baggins, and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

The trailer also gives fans a first glimpse of Tauriel, an elf warrior maiden played by Evangeline Lilly (“Lost”). The character is Jackson’s own invention -- she does not appear in Tolkein’s book -- and seems to bear a passing resemblance to Merida, from Pixar’s “Brave.” Also introduced in the trailer are Bard the Bowman, played by Luke Evans, and Thranduil, played by Lee Pace.

One surprise is the return of Orlando Bloom, who reprises his role as Legolas from “The Lord of the Rings” -- another instance in which Jackson strays from a strictly literal adaptation of Tolkein’s books, but one that is sure to please fans of the blond, arrow-shooting elf. Jackson has reportedly promised that Bloom’s appearance is “more than a cameo.”

The “Hobbit” trailer will begin playing before “Man of Steel” when that film opens this week. “The Desolation of Smaug” is set to open Dec. 13.

ALSO:

Can Booklikes be the next Goodreads?

Guess who’s going to be in ‘The Little Prince’ movie?

NSA surveillance puts George Orwell’s ‘1984’ on bestseller lists