Is this our first look at Beorn from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

The majority of fans seem pleased by the characters that have been revealed in the LORD OF THE RINGS and HOBBIT films. One anticipated character that may bring some debate after this reveal is Beorn.

Before I show you the photo, please take note that it’s low-res and not so easy to see. TheOneRing found the image in a calendar from SD Toys. Here the character has more of a grey/black head of hair which looks more like a mane and there doesn’t seem to be a beard. I’ve never been opposed to a change in a character’s looks but is this even close to what J.R.R. Tolkien described?

“Beorn was of immense size and strength for a man, and retained his size and strength in bear-form. He had black hair (in either form) and a thick black beard and broad shoulders (in human form). While not a “giant” outright, Beorn’s human form was of such great size.”

Without more clear of a picture it’s hard to judge. The guy playing the character in THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG is Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt . I’ve included a picture of him as well as one of Gandalf with the character in bear form. Here you can see the similarities.

Early thoughts?