A new video about the Giant Beorn and behind-the-scenes footage of Ian McKellen were revealed for The Hobbit 2: The Desolation of Smaug on Nov. 11.

The clip takes fans through the magnificent set of Beorn's abode. William Kircher, who plays Bifur, introduces Beorn and the sequence where the hobbits and dwarves take refuge in his house.

"We're being chased by this horrible, gigantic, slathering bear into Beorn's house," he said.

Ian McKellen (Gandalf) goes on to describe Beorn as a man who "is sometimes a bear or a bear who is sometimes a man." Mikael Persbrandt, who plays Beorn, more astutely describes his character as a "skin changer."

The cast also talks about how the dimensions of the set -- which features intricate carvings, massive wooden structures, big rugs and a beautiful barn -- were designed to make them look smaller.

"It made all of us feel small," director Peter Jackson said. "I used to be able to stand on that set and look up at the crew stare up at the camera like tiny little people, it made for a really entertaining couple of days of shooting."

Other cast members expressed their delight in being part of such a massive production and getting to work their craft on such an amazing set.

"They built entire new worlds, when they've done it, you don't know, how they've done it, you don't know," said Martin Freeman (Bilbo).

"I found Beorn's house absolutely mesmerizing, it is one of my favorite parts of the book," added Richard Armitrage, who plays Thorin in the film.

In another recently revealed clip Andy Serkis, who was a unit director on the film, spoke about directing Ian McKellen. "He didn't like receiving directions while the scene was going on," he said. Serkis' observations are corroborated by footage of McKellen being directed by him.

"He has to know exactly what he's thinking and feeling or else it could feel very fake to him," Serkis added.

In the footage, McKellen is clearly irritated as Serkis gives him the cues for expressing different emotions.

"Just tell me what happens and then I'll try and do it without you telling me," McKellen is seen telling Serkis. "If you tell me what to do and I do it, and of course what you do is expressed on your face." He goes onto exasperatedly pull an angry expression saying that that wouldn't work as he needed to feel angry inside.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters on Dec. 13. The Hobbit: There and Back Again is scheduled for release on Jul. 18 of 2014. 

Watch the Beorn featurette here:

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