Three Elves are watching a YouTube video. This is not, contrary to how it might appear, the start of a bad joke but is actual video footage posted by Peter Jackson on his Facebook page. The cast and crew of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug are amused by fan reactions to the trailer released on Tuesday. Their mirth results from watching two girls, Alex and Kellie or Fili and Kili (as they've named themselves on YouTube), view the film trailer for the first time. The three elves in question are Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly and Lee Pace. Lilly said the fan's reaction was 'more intense than the trailer'. 

Other fans have commented on the trailer - on Jackson's Facebook page - saying it is 'awesome'; that they 'can't wait' and that the director is 'the greatest'. Whilst the majority of fan comments are positive, there are a few who have complained (via Facebook and Twitter) that the special effects are poor. Criticism has particularly directed at Smaug who is described as 'disappointing'. 

Additional filming continues on this instalment of The Hobbit. The first instalment, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, received mixed critical reviews. Not that this discourage fans from viewing the film which grossed over $300 million, more than the first part of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.  

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is due out on 12th December whilst the third instalment There and Back Again is due to be released Christmas 2014. 

Orlando BloomOrlando Bloom at 66th Cannes Film Festival

Evangeline Lilly
Evangeline Lilly at the premiere of Real Steel