It seems as though the world can not get enough fantasy escapisms (Game of Thrones, Skyrim, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter,) that’s why, after so much waiting since Peter Jackson’s last J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation (OK, since like December/January), we are thrilled to see that (finally) the brand new trailer for the upcoming Hobbit sequel The Desolation of Smaug has just been released and it looks epic! Besides Smaug, more Hobbits and a dragon, the new trailer trumpets the return of Orlando Bloom as Legolas. Also we have a brand new character for the film, elf warrior Tauriel (played by one of my favorite actresses, Evangeline Lilly) in action. She does not exist in the books, yet Peter wanted to add a more female touch to the Hobbit movie (and perhaps a romance sub-plot with Legolas?) Yet, the movie promises more than just an action-packed ride, it also offers a film filled with astounding vistas of the beautiful New Zealand, as the hills of The Shire were brought back to life near Matamatafor The Hobbit Trilogy. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters December 13. Check out the first trailer and stunning locations in the videos below!