Roar Uthaug's Troll 2, the follow-up to his 2022 Norwegian streaming success Troll, arrived on Netflix on December 1, 2025, reuniting much of the original cast for another battle against a rampaging mythological giant. The film explores troll lore amid modern threats, blending folklore with high-stakes action in the Norwegian countryside. Variety's review highlights its slick entertainment value while noting a need for fresh ideas in the franchise.
Background and Release
Troll, released in 2022, surprised audiences by becoming Netflix's most popular non-English-language film to date, putting a Norwegian twist on the giant monster genre. Director Roar Uthaug, known for films like Cold Prey and The Wave, returns for Troll 2, written by Espen Aukan. The sequel premiered on Netflix on December 1, 2025, and has quickly gained traction as an international hit. Produced by Motion Blur in Norway, it maintains the high production values of its predecessor, with cinematography by Oskar Dahlsbakken and music by Johannes Ringen.
Plot Summary
Set thirty years after the events of the first film, Troll 2 centers on folklorist Nora (Ine Marie Wilmann), who lives in isolation mourning her father. She's drawn back into action when government official Andreas (Kim Falck) seeks her expertise at the historic Vemork hydroelectric plant, where a hibernating troll has been concealed. Nora accidentally awakens the creature, leading to chaos as it escapes and terrorizes a ski resort. Reuniting with survivors from the original—including military figures Kris (Mads Sjogard Pettersen), Siggi (Karoline Viktoria Sletteng Garvang), and Amir (Yusuf Toosh Ibra)—along with evolutionary biologist Auryn (Sara Khorami), the group races to contain the threat. Nora's knowledge of ancient rhymes and relics proves key, culminating in a clash involving a 'good' troll to protect Trondheim. An opening animated sequence provides backstory on trolls' extinction in Christianized Norway.
Critical Reception
Variety describes Troll 2 as 'slick and fun in just the same way the earlier film was,' praising Uthaug's confident direction, humor, and visual spectacle, including scenic Norwegian landscapes and CGI effects. The review notes amiable performances, particularly from Pettersen, and high production standards. However, it critiques the familiar plot dynamics and lack of fresh twists, comparing it unfavorably to the mockumentary style of 2010's Trollhunter. With a runtime of 102 minutes and TV-14 rating, the film is seen as a solid fantasy-action entry akin to Jurassic Park with a snowy, quirky Norse flavor. The review ends on a hopeful note for a promised third installment to innovate further.