The Desolation of Smaug Trailer Breakdown (Spoiler Warning) |

The first teaser trailer for The Desolation of Smaug arrived online last night and to get to grips with what Peter Jackson will be gifting us with Christmas, here’s an in-depth trailer breakdown for your viewing pleasure.

We start with a spectacular shot of Thorin, Bilbo and the rest of the dwarves in a boat, rowing up to the imposing Lonely Mountain. “Where does your journey end?” asks Thranduil, the Elvenking (Lee Pace). “You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule. The quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon.”

Cue the company of dwarves discovering what is left of the once prosperous city of Dale…

…and entering the stunning Mirkwood, home of Thranduil, his son Legolas (we’ll get to him later) and she-Elf Tauriel.

Thranduil and Thorin (Richard Armitage) cross paths for the first time since the start of An Unexpected Journey. There’s a lot of anger between these two, but for now Thorin is in no position to start a fight.

We get our first glimpse of the barrel sequence, one of the most famous bits of the book and a fan favourite – sure to be one of the most memorable scenes in this second instalment.

Our hero Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) gets a rare moment to enjoy himself as blue birds flock over his head from his perch at the top of a tree. Props to the DoP Andrew Lesnie, because once again the colouring here is outstanding.

Back to the action now, and the Elven guards are after the escaping dwarves.

Enter the Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas (Orlando Bloom) with some very blue eyes and a distinct dislike for dwarves. “Do not think I won’t kill you,” he snarls at Thorin.

Another first glimpse at a major character here – skin-changer Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt), the man who can turn into a bear.

Already a very different hobbit from the one who set out from Bag End, Bilbo doesn’t hesitate to whip out Sting when trouble comes a-knocking.

“When did we allow evil to become stronger than us?” Evangeline Lily’s Tauriel asks Legolas. The female head of the Elven guard is keen to fight back against the growing darkness.

Another boat shot, but this time the company have entered Lake-Town – presided over by Stephen Fry’s greedy town master. This wooden settlement is where the majority of the dragon desolation will be happening.

Bilbo slides down a massive pile of gold coins inside Smaug’s lair. The burglar and the dragon will find they have plenty to discuss.

Back to the wizards now; The Desolation of Smaug finds Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Radagast (Sylvester McCoy) returning to Dol Guldur to find out who and what this Necromancer is. “What if it’s a trap?” asks a nervous Radagast. “It’s undoubtedly a trap,” replies Gandalf, drawing Glamdring from its sheath.

For those who watched Peter Jackson’s TDoS sneak peak, you’ll know that this is Gandalf down in the tombs of Dol Guldur. ‘Nazgul’ is all we’ll say.

“In time, all foul things come forth.” Seething after the dwarves’ previous escape, Azog the pale orc is back with a vengence – determined to claim Thorin’s head for his collection.

Bilbo attempts to hide from some huge spiders in the depths of Mirkwood. If you didn’t like Shelob, you’re going to hate this.

“If you awaken that beast, he will destroy us all.” Luke Evans’ Bard the Bowman warns Thorin against disturbing Smaug, but his advice falls on deaf ears.

More and more action! Legolas shows off his bow and arrow skills (though we doubt there’ll be any shield surfing this time round)…

…as Gandalf faces a threat from above as the Necromancer attacks…

…and Thorin takes a swing at something from inside his barrel. Note Kili (Aidan Turner) having a whale of a time in the background, keeping a firm grip on Bilbo.

Suddenly, a very loud rumble. “Was that an earthquake?” asks Dori (Mark Hadlow). Balin (Ken Stott) turns to the camera before answering: “That, my lad, was a dragon.”

Finally – our first proper glimpse at Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Of course they don’t want to give too much away, but if you squint you can just make out a glowing orange eye and row of razor-sharp teeth. We’d get out of there pronto if we were Bilbo.