The other reason it was important to see a lighter Elrond in the first Hobbit movie was because there was already a much colder - and less likable - elf leader coming in the second film; Thranduil, the elf king of Mirkwood, Legolas's father and general antagonist when it comes to Thorin's quest. Lee Pace brought a commanding presence to the role while still conveying the selfishness and arrogance that we witnessed in the book. There was a great deal of tension between Legolas and Gimli in The Fellowship Of The Ring before their bromance blossomed but generally the trilogy painted the elves in a positive light; with Sauron and the Nazgul as the villains they had to be. But in the Hobbit trilogy - like the book - the elves aren't yet faced with the overwhelming masses of Mordor that threatened to destroy them all. Thranduil is an isolated king looking after his own people even at the cost of those he might consider allies in the upcoming Battle Of Five Armies. Lee Pace played Thranduil to perfection. He had all the might and grace of Elrond and Galadriel but none of their warmth. He is as much a villain in the Hobbit trilogy as he is a hero.