In what can be considered one of the first interviews about The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey sequel The Desolation of Smaug, actor Richard Armitage (who plays dwarf Thorin) previews which scene he can’t wait see on the big screen.

Article Continues Below

“I think the barrel sequence [in which the dwarves escape their elf captors by river, hidden in wine barrels],” he answered when posed the question by TotalFilm, “which we all thought was going to be the finale of the first film, is going to be incredible. I’ve seen all the various pieces: the aerial shots of waterfalls with barrels going down them, the very fast-moving river set where we were submerged under water, the wild river we’re floating down towards the end of the sequence… I think it’ll be one of the most thrilling parts of the second film.”

As for where his character’s relationship lies with Bilbo, “The trust between Thorin and Bilbo has now been established. He’s gone from somebody that absolutely dismisses this halfling to realising he’s an essential part of the quest. Bilbo becomes his confidant and that goes further into film three – we’re planting seeds for when Thorin is betrayed by Bilbo.”

Armitage also confirmed that more filming is set for the third and final Hobbit film, There and Back Again. “We’re going back to shoot the Battle of the Five Armies [the trilogy’s climactic set-piece]. I Have to get into the intense training again because when we shoot that battle stuff we’re going to need every bit of energy. It’s interesting how your stamina drops, especially with the heat and weight of those costumes.”

In a separate interview we shared on March 8, The Hobbit star Martin Freeman said additional filming would take place in June and July.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’s Blu-ray Combo Pack hits store shelves on March 19. Read our review of the home entertainment release. The Desolation of Smaug opens in theaters December 13.

Thanks, TotalFilm.