In 2022, Roar Uthaug’s Troll emerged as an unexpected global phenomenon. With over 44 million views in its first week, it became Netflix’s most-watched non-English-language film of all time. Combining Norwegian folklore with Hollywood-style monster spectacle, it struck a rare balance between myth and emotion.
Three years later, Troll 2 arrives, landing right in the middle of Netflix’s packed holiday lineup. Fans have been eager to see whether the sequel could match the scale, heart, and mythic awe of the original. Does Troll 2 stand tall or crumble under its own weight? The answer is complicated; it’s louder, funnier, and more ambitious, but not without cracks in its foundation.
Film critic Olav Jensen said it best:
“Troll 2 understands that it can’t outdo the first film’s surprise factor — so it leans into its spectacle and humor instead.”
Overview: Troll 2 – A Bigger, Wilder Ride
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Troll 2 |
| Platform | Netflix (Global) |
| Release Date | December 2025 |
| Director | Roar Uthaug |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Monster, Action |
| Language | Norwegian (with subtitles and dubbing options) |
| Main Cast | Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Karoline Viktoria Sletteng Garvang |
| Runtime | 1 hour 52 minutes |
| Cinematography | Jallo Faber |
| Music | Johannes Ringen |
The sequel picks up years after the first film’s climactic events in Oslo. Nora Tidemann (Ine Marie Wilmann), once a national hero, has retreated into isolation after losing her father and credibility. When former ally Andreas (Kim Falck) invites her back to investigate a dormant “Mega-Troll,” things take a turn for the catastrophic. The ancient creature awakens, setting off chaos across the Norwegian countryside.
From here, Troll 2 quickly escalates into a high-stakes chase. With a bigger monster, new military conflicts, and a faint whisper of moral complexity, the sequel feels both familiar and fresh.
Plot and Themes: Humanity, Folklore, and Fallout
At its core, Troll 2 asks whether humans can coexist with nature’s ancient forces or whether history is doomed to repeat itself. The government’s decision to exploit a sleeping troll for research immediately sets the tone: human arrogance versus mythical retribution.
Nora’s emotional arc remains the film’s backbone. Haunted by her father’s legacy and guilt from the first movie’s conclusion, she struggles between compassion and vengeance. The introduction of Major Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen) and a pregnant Siggy (Karoline Viktoria Sletteng Garvang) adds stakes and tension.
However, where Troll (2022) felt intimate and spiritual, Troll 2 sometimes gets lost in blockbuster tropes, predictable military command centres, explosions, and a few too many convenient plot devices.
Norwegian film scholar Sigrid Holt observed,
“The first Troll made mythology feel alive; the sequel sometimes treats it like a backdrop for action. But when it slows down, you can still feel that old magic.”
Key Strengths: Performances and Production Value
Despite some uneven plotting, Troll 2 impresses with its technical and emotional delivery. The returning trio, Wilmann, Falck, and Pettersen, share a lived-in chemistry that anchors the chaos around them.
Kim Falck, in particular, shines as Andreas. His evolution from comic relief to courageous co-lead gives the film a pulse of humanity amid the spectacle. His quick wit and nerdy humor bring balance to darker moments, providing levity when the film risks taking itself too seriously.
The production design and creature effects are, once again, outstanding. The trolls, both new and returning, feel tangible, massive, and oddly soulful. Norway’s natural landscapes remain the real star, adding grandeur and scale unmatched by most CGI-heavy Hollywood blockbusters.
Where Troll 2 Stumbles? : Logic and Lore
While Troll 2 captures the thrill of big-screen monster mayhem, it occasionally sacrifices logic for momentum. The film introduces fascinating ideas like troll communication, hibernation, and the blurred line between myth and mutation, but it rarely explores them fully.
The climactic showdown, though visually striking, feels rushed. A major “discovery” sequence in the third act offers a deus ex machina-style resolution that undermines the emotional weight of the story. For viewers who adored the first film’s mythic cohesion, this may feel like a step back.
There’s also a tonal shift: Troll 2 replaces the meditative spirituality of its predecessor with a more playful, popcorn-friendly approach. While this broadens its appeal, it also dilutes some of what made the original special.
Comparative Table: Troll (2022) vs. Troll 2 (2025)
| Element | Troll (2022) | Troll 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Serious, mythic, emotional | Action-packed, humorous, adventurous |
| Main Theme | Nature vs. humanity, family legacy | Reckoning with power, legacy, and consequence |
| Cinematography | Mystical and intimate | Expansive and kinetic |
| Character Development | Deep and reflective | Broader, lighter |
| Best Performance | Ine Marie Wilmann (Nora) | Kim Falck (Andreas) |
| Audience Appeal | Fans of Nordic folklore | Fans of monster-action adventures |
Directorial Vision and Netflix’s Global Strategy
Roar Uthaug seems fully aware of his audience this time. He trades the quiet tragedy of the first film for a brisk, globe-ready blockbuster tone. The pacing is tighter, the action scenes grander, and the humor more deliberate.
Netflix has been positioning Troll 2 as part of its growing international cinematic universe, one that mirrors Hollywood’s monster franchises. In a recent Netflix Europe press release, Executive Producer Espen Horn stated:
“Troll 2 is our most ambitious Nordic production yet. We wanted to expand the mythology while staying true to Norway’s cinematic heritage and landscapes.”
This signals Netflix’s confidence in international storytelling as a global draw, following the success of All Quiet on the Western Front and Society of the Snow.
MVP: Kim Falck as Andreas Isaksen
Falck’s transformation from quirky sidekick to courageous hero makes him the standout performer. His blend of humor and sincerity provides emotional relief in an otherwise heavy action film. His character’s “Star Trek” references and awkward charm ground the fantasy in relatable humanity a crucial touch in a movie filled with giant mythical beasts.
Recent Updates
- Troll 2 premiered on December 15, 2025, globally on Netflix.
- The film debuted at #1 in 46 countries within its first weekend.
- Early reviews praised its visual scale but criticized its thin script.
- Discussions for Troll 3 are already underway, with Roar Uthaug hinting at “a darker, more emotional” continuation.
In an interview with Ine Marie Wilmann, she said:
“We always knew Nora’s journey wasn’t over. Troll 2 shows her strength, but also her limits — the next chapter, if it happens, will test her humanity more than ever.”
Why It Matters?
Beyond its entertainment value, Troll 2 represents the global rise of Scandinavian cinema on streaming platforms. It proves that local mythologies can resonate universally, blending folklore with blockbuster energy.
While it doesn’t reach the emotional highs of its predecessor, Troll 2 succeeds in keeping the legend alive thrilling enough to entertain, human enough to care.
Film analyst Leif Mortensen summed it up well:
“If Troll was Norway’s Godzilla, Troll 2 is its King Kong vs. Godzilla — louder, funnier, but still deeply Nordic.”
FAQs
Yes. While the sequel explains key events, watching the original enriches the characters and mythology.
It’s more action-oriented and humorous, less haunting, more thrilling.
Yes. A mid-credits hint suggests the possibility of Troll 3 with returning characters and new lore.
They’re improved, with higher-scale CGI and more complex monster sequences.
Across various Norwegian landscapes, including Oslo, Svalbard, and Romsdalen.
As of December 2025, the film holds a 77% critic score and 83% audience score, showing generally positive reactions.
