Uthaug's Bigger Monster Sequel: Troll 2 Review

This Troll 2 review starts with a simple question: can a giant-monster sequel recapture the charm of a surprise Netflix-era hit? Director Roar Uthaug returns with a bigger beast, a bigger budget and a bigger body count of buildings. The result is a competent, often fun action adventure that rarely surprises.

Troll 2 Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Troll 2 plot picks up with Norway under threat again. A new troll has awakened, and this one is far more dangerous than the last. Palaeontologist Nora Tidemann, adviser Andreas Isaksen and Captain Kristoffer Holm are pulled back into the fight.

The tagline, "A new troll has awakened!", sums up the setup well. The heroes must team up with new allies and dig into old Nordic legends to find a way to stop the creature. Writer Espen Aukan keeps the first act brisk and gets the team moving quickly.

If you have not seen the first film, you can follow along, but you will get more from the returning characters if you have. The story leans on the established formula: a threat, a chase and a race against time.

What Works in Troll 2

The scale is the main draw. Uthaug stages large, destructive set pieces, and the action is clear and easy to follow. For fans of the action movie reviews we cover, the spectacle delivers what the poster promises.

• Bigger creature work: The new troll feels like a real escalation, with more menace than the original beast.

• Mythology: The film digs further into Nordic folklore, which gives the monster a little more texture.

• Pace: At 102 minutes, it moves along without much padding.

The Norwegian landscapes still look striking, and the film makes good use of mountains and open country as a backdrop for the chaos.

Troll 2 Cast and Performances

The Troll 2 cast is built around the returning trio. Ine Marie Wilmann again plays Nora Tidemann with warmth and dry humour, and she remains the emotional centre of the film. Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen is a likeable Andreas Isaksen, bringing a lighter, jokier energy.

Mads Sjøgård Pettersen returns as Captain Kristoffer Holm, giving the soldier a gruff but human edge. Among the newer faces are Sara Khorami as Marion Auryn Rhadani, Karoline Viktoria Sletteng Garvang as Sigrid Hodne and Anne Krigsvoll as Esther Johanne Tiller.

The ensemble is solid, though the script gives the newcomers less to do than the leads. The chemistry among the main three carries many of the quieter scenes.

Where Troll 2 Stumbles

The biggest problem is familiarity. Several viewers have noted that the film feels close to a remake of the original, with little that is truly new. The beats are comfortable, and you can often guess where a scene is heading.

More monster and more destruction do not automatically mean a better story. The rustic, almost tangible charm of the first film gets polished into something more generic here, and heavy computer-generated spectacle can dull the sense of wonder. Some reviewers also felt the finale arrives and ends too quickly.

The new mythology is welcome, but it never grows into anything memorable. As an adventure movie it works, but it rarely thrills.

Is Troll 2 Worth Watching?

Yes, if you liked the first film and want more of the same. Is Troll 2 worth watching for newcomers is a tougher question, since the original remains the fresher experience. The audience score on TMDB sits at 6.3 out of 10, which fits our view of a pleasant but unremarkable sequel.

The film is reportedly made on an estimated budget of NOK 114 million, and the money shows on screen. You can read more about the film on its IMDb page. The Troll 2 release date was 30 November 2025, and it is rated PG-13.

If you want to explore other recent genre fare, check our take on Tron: Ares for another big-scale spectacle.

Who Will Enjoy Troll 2

• Fans of the first Norwegian troll film who want a bigger sequel.

• Viewers who enjoy creature features and large-scale destruction.

• Anyone looking for an easy, fast-moving monster night in.