Epic new Hobbit trailer shows comedy, battles and Radagast

The second trailer for 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' has been unveiled, featuring a bunch of new footage and a glimpse at the epic battle scenes.

Watch the trailer below:

It begins by showing off the lighter tone of 'The Hobbit', compared with 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Martin Freeman, perfectly cast as Bilbo Baggins, sees the thirteen Dwarves gatecrash Bag End, before he runs through the Shire, map in hand, shouting, "I'm going on an adventure!"

[Related gallery: Meet the dwarves]
[Related story: New title for second 'Hobbit' film]

The mood shifts as Gandalf shares a scene with Cate Blanchett's Galadriel (reprising her role from 'LOTR') and the Dwarves' quest to reclaim gold from their homeland - Erebor — is then explained.

There's a sneak peak at several action scenes featuring trolls, goblins and wargs (giant wolves), but sadly there's no glimpse of dragon Smaug as yet. He's voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.

'Doctor Who' fans might also recognise Sylvester McCoy, who plays ace animal-loving wizard Radagast the Brown.

Like the last trailer, we also see Bilbo and Andy Serkis' CGI Gollum indulge in a game of riddles. If Bilbo loses, he gets eaten.

The release ties in with Tolkien Week, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first publication of 'The Hobbit'.

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is released in cinemas on 14 December 2012. Two more installments will follow.