"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug", the second film of the Hobbit series, will be screened in China from Feb. 21.

The movie, adapted from J.R.R Tolkien's novel created in 1937, depicts home-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins' adventure through wildland and his quest for treasure guarded by a dragon called Smaug.

The Chinese market contributed about one third of the global box office of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", the first of the franchise. In the first ten days of its screening in China last February, it made 250 million yuan (39 million U.S. dollars).

The new film's major attractions are actors Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Benedict Cumberbatch, the voice of Smaug. The two are popular in China for starring in British TV drama "Sherlock".

The latest installment topped the box office in north America and France in December.

Last week, China recorded a total box office of over 800 million yuan.

China's quota of imported films from Hollywood remains unchanged at 34 this year, according to an official from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and on Facebook to join the conversation.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)