'The Hobbit 2' (dubbed 'The Desolation of Smaug') trailer is here, dear friends, after just seeing the teaser poster the other day. Perhaps this is the epic follow-up we've been hoping for.

Many of you will see this trailer theatrically with 'Man of Steel' this weekend, but we're fortunate enough to get an early look at the next chapter in Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit' trilogy. Considering the first installment, 'An Unexpected Journey,' felt a bit bloated and fast-paced, we're hoping 'The Desolation of Smaug' rights some of those wrongs.

'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' continues the journey of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Thorin (Richard Armitage) and the company of dwarfs, who have escaped the goblins of the Misty Mountains and now face their greatest challenge yet: the dragon Smaug (played in the film by villain du jour Benedict Cumberbatch).

Among the other new castmembers: Luke Evans (as Bard the Bowman), Lee Pace (as the "Elvenking" Thranduil) and, perhaps the most exciting of all, Evangeline Lilly (as Tauriel).

'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' opens this December 13.

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