The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) is the second installment in Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel The Hobbit. It continues the epic journey of Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman), the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), and a group of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) as they seek to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

The film picks up where the first part, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), left off, with the company continuing their perilous trek towards the Lonely Mountain. Along the way, they encounter a series of dangers, including giant spiders in the dark forest of Mirkwood, captivity by the Elvenking Thranduil (Lee Pace), and a daring escape down the river in barrels.

As the group finally reaches Erebor, Bilbo is sent inside the mountain to confront Smaug and retrieve the Arkenstone, a precious gem that Thorin needs to unite the dwarves. The encounter between Bilbo and Smaug is one of the film’s highlights, showcasing the dragon’s terrifying power and cunning intelligence.