Thranduil is introduced, along with the return of Legolas, and the new character Tauriel.

Picking up immediately after An Unexpected Journey , the film follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, and Thorin Oakenshield’s company of dwarves as they head toward the Lonely Mountain. Key Story Beats

The Desolation of Smaug was generally viewed as an improvement over the first film. Critics praised its faster pacing and the tension of the final act. Some Tolkien purists questioned the addition of the "Kili-Tauriel-Legolas" love triangle, but the film’s ability to expand the lore of Middle-earth was undeniable. Why It Remains a Must-Watch