"The Hobbit: There and Back Again" fans can still expect the epic conclusion on December 17, 2014 as studio execs have not made any changes to the date. It's a good year's wait for impatient fans after the huge 'Desolation of Smaug' cliffhanger.

Veronika Kwan Vanderberg, president of International distribution, and Dan Fellman, president of Domestic Distribution announced last year in a joint statement that the third part of "The Hobbit" trilogy will be released on December 17.

The second part, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," debuted on December 13, 2013.

Fellman's statement read: "We're excited to complete the Trilogy the same way we started it, as a holiday treat for moviegoers everywhere."

"The Hobbit: There And Back Again" continues the journey of Bilbo Baggins who already joined Gandalf and the 13 dwarves, being led by Thorin Oakenshield, to get back the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Fans can hardly wait how director Peter Jackson will address the cliffhanger on "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," particularly when they have to wait for one year to get answers.

The second installment ended with the dragon Smaug escaping the Lonely Mountain and heading toward Laketown to raze the area in the effort to punish the dwarves.

Bilbo then said: "What have we done?" before the camera cuts to the credits.

Can Thorin Oakenshield take his rightful claim to the crown? Will the Necromancer finally reveals himself to be Sauron? What role will Legolas play in the third instalment?

"The Hobbit: There and Back Again" will answer these questions on December 17, 2014 as well as the aftermath of the death of Smaug. Fans of the book are already familiar with The Battle of the Five Armies and the Battle of Dol Guldur.

The film could also show the return journey of Bilbo "The Burglar" Baggins, now a changed hobbit after his eventful adventure-back to the shire.