The film takes place immediately after the events of The Desolation of Smaug, where Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), have taken refuge in the town of Lake-town, outside the Lonely Mountain. However, their presence attracts the attention of the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch), who descends upon the town, burning it to ashes.
Commanded by Thranduil, seeking ancient gems. The Men of Lake-town: Fighting for survival and gold. hobbit 3 battle of the five armies
Originally, Peter Jackson intended to use The Battle of the Five Armies as the opening act of a film titled There and Back Again . However, the sheer scope of the conflict—involving Elves, Dwarves, Men, Goblins, and Wargs—demanded its own feature. The film takes place immediately after the events