Earlier today, director Peter Jackson and a good chunk of his The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug cast took part in a worldwide Q&A with fans that was simulcast across the globe. Those in attendance included Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, Richard Armitage, Lee Pace, and Andy Serkis, who not only reprised his role as Gollum in the first film but acted as the second unit director of the entire trilogy. The discussion covered a variety of Hobbit-related subjects, including the 10 weeks of additional shooting this summer, what classic fiction character inspired Lilly’s performance, when we’ll see The Lord of the Rings trilogy blooper reels, and more. Additionally, a new trailer was unveiled that has now been released online.

Hit the jump for a recap of the highlights from the event, a video of the event itself, and the new Laketown-heavy trailer. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug opens in 2D, 3D, and HFR 3D on December 13th.

Watch the trailer below, followed by video of the event (it kicks in around the 10:10 mark) and a recap of the highlights.

Here’s a recap of the highlights gleaned from the Q&A event.