I can see how since the last movies ended pretty much near the end. I am wondering if the “Battle of the Five Armies” will be skipped in favor of a battle in Mirkwood’S Dol Guldur against the Necromancer - as hinted about in the novel, but was more of an after thought.
The Battle of Five Armies is too central, ultimately. It’s too akin to major battles like those fought at Helm’s Deep or Minas Tirith, or even at Mordor’s Black Gate.