The third and final installment of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" series has been slotted for an official release on Dec. 17.

The official trailer for "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" has also been made available in the film's Facebook page. Looking into this, Moviepilot has reported that the upcoming movie is expected to highlight Thorin Oakenshield's journey with his fellow dwarves as they take back their land from the ferocious dragon, Smaug. 

Majority of the cast members from the past two films, "An Unexpected Journey" and "The Desolation of Smaug", have reprised their roles. Martin Freeman returns as the main character, Bilbo Baggins, while Gandalf the Grey is still being portrayed by Sir Ian McKellen.

Richard Armitage reprises his role as the dwarf leader, Thoren Oakenshield, and Orlando Bloom goes back to being Legolas Greenleaf the Elf. When asked about his role, Miranda Kerr's ex-husband explained that there will be new things that are coming in "The Hobbit 3" film which fans may not expect. Legolas' relationship with his father Thranduil will be further explored as well.

As the third movie nears its release date, the epic battle of the Five Armies is expected to put an end to the destruction that Smaug brings to Laketown through Thorin Oakenshield's final stand.

On the whole, director Peter Jackson has sought for "The Hobbit 3" to serve as a bridge between the less menacing "Hobbit" films and the more threatening world of the "Lord of the Rings" movies.

Avid readers of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" novel have questioned whether Jackson's movie plot deviated from the actual book's storyline. A wide range of speculations about special appearances have also surfaced, including the Dark Lord Sauron, the then-protagonist Saruman who may offer help to his good pal Gandalf, and Bilbo Baggins portrayed by Freeman and Frodo played by Elijah Wood in one scene.