Troll Film Sequel: Family-Friendly Version in Development
The success of Roar Uthaug’s Norwegian monster film, Troll, has spawned a sequel, Troll 2, which premiered on Netflix on . While the original captivated audiences with its blend of Norse folklore and large-scale action, the follow-up appears to be expanding the franchise in multiple directions, including a foray into family-friendly content.
Troll 2, directed once again by Uthaug and written by Espen Aukan, stars Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen, and Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, with the latter two reprising their roles from the first film. The plot centers on paleontologist Nora Tidemann (Wilmann) as she confronts a new troll, Jotun, threatening both the natural world, and humanity. Notably, the narrative also introduces a second, more benevolent troll who aids in the fight against Jotun. The film reportedly had a budget reflecting its ambition, becoming the largest film production in Nordic history, with filming taking place in locations including Trondheim, Maridalen, Jotunheimen, and Budapest.
The sequel isn’t simply aiming to replicate the thrills of its predecessor. According to reports from Norwegian media outlets, the production team is actively developing a more accessible version of the Troll universe for younger audiences. This initiative suggests a strategic move to broaden the franchise’s appeal and capitalize on the initial film’s popularity. MSN reported that the team is creating a “sweet family film” as a companion piece to the more intense action of Troll 2.
The original Troll tapped into a deep vein of cultural fascination with Norse mythology, and Troll 2 continues this trend. The film’s narrative touches upon the historical relationship between humans and trolls in Norwegian folklore, referencing a time when the two species coexisted peacefully before a king violently suppressed the troll population. This backstory, as relayed by Tobias Tidemann to his daughter Nora, provides a thematic foundation for the conflict at the heart of the sequel.
Critical reception to Troll 2 has been mixed. A review from Roger Ebert.com noted that the film lacks the action and monster-related excitement of the original, despite successfully replicating the “inclusive, family-friendly action-adventure template.” This suggests a potential divergence in creative direction, prioritizing broader accessibility over the visceral thrills that defined the first film.
The film carries a TV-14 rating on Netflix, indicating its suitability for teenagers and older children with parental guidance. The rating reflects the presence of “violence, peril, and mild language” within the film. Specifically, the film features frequent fantasy action sequences, large-scale battles, and scenes of property damage, though without graphic gore. Emotional tension arises from moments of loss and moral choices, and occasional instances of mild profanity (“hell” or “damn”) appear during high-stress situations. The film also explores mature themes such as environmental destruction, grief, and humanity’s relationship with nature, but avoids explicit content like smoking, alcohol use, or drug references.
The enthusiasm surrounding the production extended beyond the creative team. Norwegian news outlet opp.no reported that local communities eagerly welcomed the film crew, expressing a desire to contribute to the project. This positive reception underscores the cultural significance of the Troll franchise within Norway and the broader Nordic region.
The development of Troll 2 and the accompanying family-friendly content demonstrates Netflix’s continued investment in international productions and its strategy of building franchises based on compelling local stories. The success of the first Troll film clearly signaled the potential for a larger universe, and the streaming giant appears determined to explore that potential fully. The film’s release on , distributed by Netflix Studios, further solidifies the platform’s position as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.
While the critical response has been somewhat lukewarm, the franchise’s continued expansion suggests a strong audience appetite for this blend of Norse mythology, monster action, and environmental themes. The introduction of a younger-skewing companion film indicates a long-term vision for the Troll universe, potentially paving the way for further sequels, spin-offs, and related content.