Cumberbatch and Freeman Reunite

Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness and Sherlock) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Sherlock) will reunite to form another legendary duo in the upcoming sequel, The Desolation of Smaug.  

Anyone who has watched BBC's critically acclaimed Sherlock will tell you that Cumberbatch and Freeman make a brilliant pair as the ingenious Sherlock Holmes and his lovable sidekick John Watson.  This chemistry, combined with Cumberbatch's outstandingly deep voice (as evidenced when he played Star Trek's villain Khan), were undoubtedly factors in the filmmakers' decision to cast Cumberbatch as the second film's villain.

Those who have read The Hobbit will know that there is a rather extensive and entertaining dialogue between Smaug the Terrible and Bilbo Baggins in the book, which will provide an entertaining contrast from the "elementary, my dear Watson" of Sherlock.

Of particular note is that Cumberbatch will not only provide the voice of Smaug,  but also of the Necromancer in the upcoming films.  Although the Necromancer is no more than mentioned, at most, in The Hobbit, he will likely play a more substantial role in the cinematic trilogy.  If The Lord of the Rings trilogy is any indicator, The Desolation of Smaug will undoubtedly be more fast-paced and entertaining than its predecessor.  Plus, there's a dragon - you can't beat that!