The stars were out on force last night, as the highly anticipated second part of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy got its world premiere in LA.

Fans lined the red carpet to catch a glimpse of the cast, who hit the red carpet in style.

Martin Freeman, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly and Benedict Cumberbatch signed autographs and posed for photos before going inside the Dolby Theatre.

This installment will be the first time fans get to see Peter Jackson's interpretation of Smaug – the dragon which has taken up residence in the Lonely Mountain.

A specially decorated Air New Zealand plane unveiled the first full look at Smaug – which is voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.  It flew to LA in time for last night’s premiere.

The Desolation of Smaug hits UK cinemas on December 11.