The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Peter Jackson's second chapter in the Hobbit trilogy sends Bilbo and the Dwarves deeper into peril — and face to face with a dragon.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 11, 2013 (Belgium - 16), December 13, 2013 (United States - PG-13), December 13, 2013 (Canada - PG), December 13, 2013 (United Kingdom - 12A), December 11, 2013 (Germany - 12), December 11, 2013 (France - 12), December 13, 2013 (India), December 13, 2013 (New Zealand - M), December 26, 2013 (Australia - M), December 20, 2013 (Brazil - 12), December 13, 2013 (Mexico - B), December 12, 2013 (Italy - T), December 13, 2013 (Spain - 12), December 12, 2013 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Hobbiten 2 - Smaugs ødemark (NO), Hobiti: Smaugis aokhrebuli (GE), Hobbit 2: Pustkowie Smauga (PL), HaHobit: Mapal'to Shel Smaug (IL), Hobit: Šmaugovo pustošenje (RS), Le Hobbit 2 - La Désolation de Smaug (FR), Hobitas: Smogo dykyne (LT), El Hobbit II: La desolación de Smaug (ES)
- Production Companies: New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, WingNut Films
- Production Countries: New Zealand, United States of America
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Plot
The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the quest for Erebor unfold in spectacular fashion:
Beyond darkness... beyond desolation... lies the greatest danger of all.
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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Peter Jackson
Main Cast
- Ian McKellen
- Martin Freeman
- Richard Armitage
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Orlando Bloom
- Evangeline Lilly
- Lee Pace
- Luke Evans
- Stephen Fry
- Ken Stott
Writers
- Fran Walsh
- Philippa Boyens
- Peter Jackson
- Guillermo del Toro
Producers
- Fran Walsh
- Carolynne Cunningham
- Peter Jackson
- Zane Weiner
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - FAQs
Where can you stream The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is available to stream on Max (HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
What does Smaug look like in the film?
Smaug is depicted as a colossal fire-breathing dragon with sleek, dark-red scales, enormous wings, and piercing golden eyes. Voiced and motion-captured by Benedict Cumberbatch, he is widely praised as one of cinema's most visually spectacular and menacing dragon portrayals, brought to life through cutting-edge digital effects.
Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug based on a book?
Yes. The film is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel The Hobbit, specifically covering the middle portion of the story. Peter Jackson and his co-writers also drew on appendices from The Lord of the Rings to expand characters and subplots, including the Tauriel storyline, which does not appear in the original book.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The principal cast includes Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug and Sauron, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, Lee Pace as King Thranduil, and Luke Evans as Bard.
Why does The Desolation of Smaug end on a cliffhanger?
The film ends abruptly as Smaug flies toward Laketown, leaving his fate unresolved. Director Peter Jackson deliberately split Tolkien's novel into three films, allowing each installment its own dramatic arc. The cliffhanger was designed to build anticipation for The Battle of the Five Armies, the trilogy's concluding chapter.
What is the age rating for this movie?
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is rated PG-13 in the United States for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images. It carries a 12A rating in the United Kingdom, a 12 rating in Germany and France, and an M rating in New Zealand and Australia.
How long is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
The theatrical cut of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug runs approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes (161 minutes). An extended edition was later released, adding roughly 25 minutes of additional footage, bringing the total runtime to around 3 hours and 6 minutes.
Did The Desolation of Smaug receive positive reviews from critics?
Critical reception was generally positive. The film holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its visual grandeur, the dragon Smaug, and a stronger narrative pace compared to the first Hobbit film. Some critics noted the expanded runtime and added subplots as occasional drawbacks.
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