New 'Hobbit' trailer features Smaug, return of Orlando Bloom's Legolas

Warner Brothers has finally released the first trailer for "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," the second film in Peter Jackson's planned trilogy for J.R.R. Tolkien's single "Lord of the Rings" prequel.

The first film, "An Unexpected Journey," received mixed reviews for what some critics thought was an overly long and slow-paced take on Tolkien's famous work. That film ended with an ominous first look at Smaug's eye, but viewers finally get a longer (albeit silent) glimpse of the terrifying and greedy dragon at the end of this trailer. Fans will have to wait a little longer to hear a peep from the Smaug, who will be voiced by "Star Trek Into Darkness" villain, Benedict Cumberbatch.

Other notable trailer appearances include the return of Legolas, the lithe and handsome archer from "The Lord of the Rings" series. Evangeline Lilly also shows up as elf warrior Tauriel, a character created just for "The Hobbit."

"The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug" hits theaters December 13.