Troll 2 director on the kaiju-sized sequel to Netflix's most-watched non-English language movie: "We wanted the troll to feel very different to the first movie"

1. Entertainment
2. Movies
3. Action Movies

Troll 2 director on the kaiju-sized sequel to Netflix's most-watched non-English language movie: "We wanted the troll to feel very different to the first movie" Features By Jordan Farley published 28 November 2025

Exclusive: The director of Troll 2 on pitting troll against troll in the sequel to a Netflix monster smash

Comments (0) ()

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

You might not know it, but for three years now, Norwegian monster movie Troll has towered over the competition at Netflix and, to this day, remains the streamer's most-watched non-English language movie ever, with 103 million views globally. The Norse saga continues with Troll 2 – aptly named as the monster–sized sequel sees two trolls square off across the rugged Norwegian landscape.

"I hadn't planned [to do] a sequel," director and co-writer Roar Uthaug (2018's Tomb Raider) tells GamesRadar+. "During the editing of the first one, ideas started coming to me on how to continue this saga, and also broaden it and expand on it. So then I got really excited."

The idea in question? More trolls. "Having more trolls was something I would have loved to do on the first one, but we weren't able to," Uthaug notes. "So now, to be able to do that, I think it's really cool, and to then have different types of trolls, and also just make it bigger, and I think better as well, and just have more spectacle. More adventure. We had a really good time making it."

You may like

• Norse mythology's most frightening monsters go head to head in first trailer for upcoming sequel to Netflix's most popular non-English-language movie
• The 10 best monster movies of all time, ranked
• The sequel to one of the best horror comedies has a trailer and, yes, the inflatable dinosaur suit is back

Go big or go home

(Image credit: Netflix)

Uthaug made a name in his native Norway with well-crafted survival and disaster stories – most notably, 2015's The Wave. After the experience of making Tomb Raider in 2018 starring Alicia Vikander, he returned to his homeland with a mission: to put a Norwegian spin on the monster movie. A genre with global appeal going back to King Kong and the Toho Godzilla movies, Uthaug attributes the record-breaking success of the first film to Troll's fresh approach to a beloved genre.

"It's a well-known formula; the monster movie is something that people enjoy all over the world. But then Troll, I think, has a setting that people aren't used to seeing. It's not like Tokyo or New York being destroyed, and, also, there's a creature that's new. Although from a Norwegian perspective, they're a huge part of our folklore and culture. But I think, out in the world, they represent something exotic."

If you've seen the first film, you'll know that Troll's titular titans are ancient creatures of rock and stone and dirt, or "nature coming to life", as Uthaug puts it. In both films, the theme of nature fighting back against a civilisation that has blighted the land is about as subtle as a 10-storey-tall Troll taking a stroll through Tromsø. But Troll 2's new aggressor, Jotun, is a much more dangerous adversary than the first film's more misunderstood beastie.

"We wanted to make the troll feel very different than the troll in the first movie, right?" Uthaug explains. "We knew we wanted to have him be more of a predator, so we looked at wolves and other predatory animals, and tried to get his final form looking very intimidating."

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Go big or go home $17.50at Target $23.98at Amazon $25at Ulta Beauty

Double trouble

(Image credit: Netflix)

Without going into specifics, Jotun isn't the only Troll this time around. As the marketing materials released so far reveal, a Troll vs. Troll showdown is very much on the cards – inspired by the many kaiju battles in the Toho Godzilla movies, according to Uthaug. Troll 2 also continues the first film's streak of irreverent humor, with Jotun memorably snacking on twentysomething revellers at a ski lodge rave in one of Troll 2's more entertaining sequences.

"We looked at the map of Norway. We knew where we wanted to start him, and that's where we wanted to end the movie. And then we saw, 'Oh, that famous place for skiers in Norway is directly on that path.' It's also famous for bratty kids from Oslo going there more than skiing [laughs]. And we thought it could be a fun way to show people being eaten by trolls, but without us feeling too sorry for them!"

The question is, if Troll 2 is as big a hit as the first film, could a threequel be on the cards? The sequel certainly leaves the door open for more. "I will see… but I do have some ideas," Uthaug says with a smile. Big things are coming…

Troll 2 streams on Netflix from December 1. For more, check out our list of the best Netfix movies to watch this week.

CATEGORIES Netflix Streaming Services Jordan FarleySocial Links NavigationManaging Editor, Entertainment

I'm the Managing Editor, Entertainment here at GamesRadar+, overseeing the site's film and TV coverage. In a previous life as a print dinosaur, I was the Deputy Editor of Total Film magazine, and the news editor at SFX magazine. Fun fact: two of my favourite films released on the same day - Blade Runner and The Thing.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more Norse mythology's most frightening monsters go head to head in first trailer for upcoming sequel to Netflix's most popular non-English-language movie    The 10 best monster movies of all time, ranked    The sequel to one of the best horror comedies has a trailer and, yes, the inflatable dinosaur suit is back    Forget Nosferatu, film fans are discussing which mythical creature should get the horror movie treatment next    KPop Demon Hunters 2 should be an "origin story" or a globetrotting world tour, according to its stars    The Zootropolis 2 team on bringing reptiles into the Disney sequel, and why new character Gary De'Snake is the movie's Yoda    Latest in Action Movies Vin Diesel buries the hatchet with Fast and Furious co-star Dwayne Johnson for good in emotional post: "[We] created something unforgettable"    Stranger Things star Sadie Sink hints that she's not playing Mary Jane in Marvel's Spider-Man 4: "I'm excited for it to be put to rest"    Hugh Jackman is "never saying never" about returning to the MCU as Wolverine, but also jokes "they have enough for an AI version of me"    X-Men actor Kelsey Grammer says too much and reveals the MCU heroes and villains he will be sharing scenes with in Avengers: Doomsday    Christopher Nolan almost came close to directing an ancient epic before The Odyssey, but got Batman Begins instead    Noah Centineo close to boarding Gundam movie with Sydney Sweeney    Latest in Features Troll 2 director on the kaiju-sized sequel to Netflix's most-watched non-English language movie: "We wanted the troll to feel very different to the first movie"    The Big Preview for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – Exclusive dev access and hands-on with the strategy RPG revival    Stranger Things season 5 cave explained: what is it, how does it connect to the Upside Down, and why is Vecna scared of it?    The best Black Friday controller deals in 2025: PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch picks from an expert reviewer    Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 ending explained: who dies and how those huge revelations set up volume 2    Zootropolis 2 creators brought almost 200 characters to the screen for the sequel and drew inspiration from Disney's "incredible legacy," including Jungle Book and Robin Hood    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Escape from Tarkov review: "An extraction shooter that will make you truly miserable if you let it, but can offer dizzying highs you won't find elsewhere"
2. 2Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point
3. 3Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
4. 4This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving
5. 5Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts fighting game, minigame collection, and roguelike – and I'm shocked at how well that works"

1. 1Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
2. 2Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
3. 3The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
4. 4Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
5. 5Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"

1. 1Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
2. 2Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
3. 3The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
4. 4IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
5. 5Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"