Yes, Smaug, the namesake dragon from the upcoming film "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," is in that movie's new trailer. More exciting to some fans of Peter Jackson's previous "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is that the trailer showcases the return of Orlando Bloom as Legolas, the unstoppable -- and gorgeous -- elf.
Legolas is just as blonde and beautiful as he was in the "LOTR" films, with long locks that would do any creme rinse commercial proud. When he takes aim with an arrow and snarls, "Do not think I won't kill you, dwarf," there's no doubt in anyone's mind that he means it. And is that dwarf he's threatening Gloin, the father of Gimli, who becomes Legolas' close friend in the "LOTR" trilogy? Looks like it to us.
"Lost" star Evangeline Lilly will fight alongside Legolas as the elf warrior Tauriel (who's not in the books) as they encounter Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the others on their way to battle Smaug and reclaim the dwarves' kingdom.
The first "Hobbit" movie received mixed reviews, but this one looks plenty action-packed. The trailer also introduces the mighty dragon Smaug, whose very motion brings Bilbo's men to wonder if an earthquake has struck. (Benedict Cumberbatch, who recently played the villain in "Star Trek: Into Darkness," provides the voice and motion-capture acting for Smaug.)
"Looking forward to "Legolas: The Movie," guest-starring some hobbits and a dragon," cracked John Hayward on Twitter.
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" premieres Dec. 13.