‘The Hobbit 2′ Banner: Can ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ Be More Epic Than the First?

In similar fashion to the marketing for the first 'Hobbit' film, Warner Bros. has revealed the latest Smaug-sized banner for Peter Jackson's second installment, 'The Desolation of Smaug.' But can it help pick fan interest back up after a less-than-stellar first go?

This new 'Hobbit 2' banner features all the returning and new characters who will take on 'The Desolation of Smaug,' including Ian McKellen's Gandalf, Richard Armitage's Thorin Oakenshield, Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins, Luke Evans' Bard the Bowman, Lee Pace's Thranduil, Evangeline Lilly's Tauriel and the return of Orlando Bloom's Legolas. Also, like previous poster art for 'An Unexpected Journey,' this banner features a scene or two of things to come -- what's caught our eye are the dwarfs floating down river in barrels, a scene which was originally set for the first 'Hobbit' film before it was ultimately split into a trilogy format.

Critics and audiences for the most part were not thoroughly impressed with 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,' citing issues with tone, its arbitrary lengthy running time and the controversial 48 FPS format. However, while some fans may have been disappointed with the film, 'The Desolation of Smaug' will include the full appearances of Smaug the dragon, as voiced by 'Star Trek Into Darkness' and 'Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch, and the previously mentioned slew of new characters to look forward to.

'The Hobbit 2' is set to hit theaters this December 13. While we wait, check out the full banner for the affair below, and click the image to see it in full.