The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies Spoilers - 12 Major Revelations Reviewed

4. Beorn Doesn't Really Save The Day

In the original text version of the Battle, the army of the Free Men's success hinges on the involvement of Beorn. With Thorin out on the battlefield, his side are forced into a circle when they can't break through Bolg's bodyguards (Azog takes his role in the battle scenes) and the shape-shifter steps in to cut through Azog's defences and kill the defiler. That would actually have been a fitting end for Azog and indeed Beorn's story since he is established in the second film as having been one of his captives. But Jackson clearly disagreed, and Beorn's moment of resolution and redemption are wiped out entirely in favour of just a momentary hero shot of the bear tearing through the goblin ranks as the Eagles attack from the air. It's a cool moment yes, but it robs Beorn's story of its emotional relevance, and once again it feels like Jackson fudged an important element to make way for new parts. Instead, Azog is killed in battle with Thorin in a brand new sequence, while Bolg ends up meeting his end at the hands of Legolas after one of the most extended one-on-one chases in cinematic history.