BEVERLY HILLS — On the same day that fans and journalists lined the streets of Hollywood to celebrate the World Premiere of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” Martin Freeman chatted with TheOneRing.net about what it was like to play opposite a dragon. He also discussed the work of other fine actors on set including Sir Ian McKellen and Morgan Freeman! The video is part of a series today to usher in the midnight release of the film (more or less) around the world.

See also: An interview with Richard Armitage

BEVERLY HILLS — TheOneRing.net had a chance to sit down with Richard Armitage and talk “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” last week in the hours leading up the film’s world premiere in Los Angeles. We present below the first of several videos with some of the key actors in the films, this one featuring Richard Armitage talking about his character Thorin, his own writings and ping-pong. Enjoy and check back all day for more videos as we lead you into the hours before the debut of the second of three Peter Jackson movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.”

THDOS_Main_smRinger fan Nate sends along this update from BoxOffice.com on the opening of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:

The Hobbit trilogy continues its journey to box office gold. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug posted a $2.8 million bow in its Wednesday debut in France, an 8% bump from last year’s installment. The Hobbit sequel scored 262.8k admissions from 909 screens in the territory. Paris contributed 57.5K of the admissions, 15% ahead of the opening day tally of its predecessor. [Read More]

Join Happy Hobbit’s Fili and Kili as TheOneRing.net’s official representatives on the black carpet of the Word Premiere of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, held on December 2, 2013 in Hollywood. You’ll also get a glimpse of Air New Zealand’s new Smaug plane, find out what goes on behind the scenes as press, and of course, hear a little about TORn’s latest moot (or gathering, for those who don’t speak Entish!).

Below are some of the highlights from the night and weekend of festivities. For more pictures and lots of fun, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Fili, Dis, Thorin, and Kili. Durin family photo! At the moot.

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The “other” Fili and Kili are Happy Hobbits!

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Smaug and Bilbo before the infamous incident.

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On the black carpet!

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Kili and Fili and Kili and Fili!

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This Kili and Fili love Azog!

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Evie gives some Happy Hobbit love.

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Dean recognizes Fili, making her a very happy hobbit!

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Bofur (Justin): the unsung hero! Thank you so much for all of your hard work!

film cellsThanks to all who entered our competition to win an exclusive Hobbit collectible from the good folks at Trendsetter/Film Cells Ltd.  We had well over a thousand entries!  Congratulations to our winner, Cyra – enjoy your prize!

For those who didn’t win, Film Cells Ltd are still offering their special 10% discount on all Lord of the Rings and Hobbit collectibles at their website, just for TheOneRing,net’s readers!  Enter this code at checkout: 1RING2013    The code  is valid until December 24th.  (Within the US there is also an offer for free shipping – use the code FREESHIP.)

[Click here to shop at Film Cells Ltd or visit their facebook page here]