The new trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is making its way around the Internet, and by the looks of things, Bilbo Baggins' adventure is just getting started.
The second chapter in director Peter Jackson's trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel finds the titular Hobbit, as played by Martin Freeman, and his Dwarven companions coming ever closer to the Lonely Mountain and the evil that lies within.
Here are five things the teaser has us excited about, starting with the return of an old friend:
1. Legolas Is Back! Orlando Bloom reprises his role as the handsome Elf warrior from Jackon's Lord of the Rings saga. While it's unclear exactly what Legolas will be doing in The Desolation of Smaug, as it's a prequel, his feelings about dwarves, lets say, are not as warm and fuzzy as his relationship with Gimli in the Rings flicks. "Do not think I won't kill you, dwarf," he warns one of Bilbo's cohorts.
2. Lost in Middle-Earth: Legolas is joined by the only female character to appear in the movie, Tauriel. She's a female elf from Mirkwood who wasn't in the book, but since she's played by former Lostie Evangeline Lily we imagine most fans will approve. But don't expect she and the Elf prince to share anything more than an enjoyment for hunting Orc.
3. Speaking of Orcs: Bilbo and company will still have to contend against the Orc war chief, Azog, whose hunting party nearly killed them at the end of the first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. While our heroes escaped with a little help from Gandalf and his eagle friends, Azog is determined to track them down as they make their way to reclaim the lost treasure from the evil dragon Smaug.
4. An Action-Packed Journey: Once again joined by Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) on their quest, Bilbo and the dwarves battle plenty more Orcs, giant spiders and other critters on their way to the mountain. There's even a thrilling ride down a river in barrels.
5. Smaug Alert: We finally get our first good look at the angry, slithering dragon voiced by Star Trek Into Darkness Benedict Cumberbatch. Alas, it's up to Bilbo as the group's "burglar" to spot Smaug's vulnerabilities amidst that pile of gold. Can he do it and will they defeat him?
We'll have to wait until Dec. 13, 2013 when The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters to find out!