Confirms sequel to Netflix hit «Troll»

«Troll» has been streamed more than 100 million times since the premiere, according to Netflix.

The Norwegian film is the most-watched non-English language film on the streaming service ever.

For director Roar Uthaug, the response has been overwhelming.

Now he'll continue the story in «Troll 2».

A grand adventure on a Norwegian scale

– What's really exciting to see is that we can create a small, in an international context, Norwegian film that can reach such a broad audience, Uthaug says in an exclusive interview with NRK.

It wasn't a given that «Troll 2» would become a reality until Netflix gave the green light, but:

– I think we all had a lot of fun making the first film, and everyone wanted to continue that adventure.

Working closely with screenwriter Espen Aukan from the first film, they are now developing the story further.

– I can't give away too much, but it will be based on Norwegian folklore, fairy tales, and also Norwegian history, says Uthaug.

Now he and the team are in the process of casting and scouting for new locations.

In the first film we saw, among other things, Dovrefjell, Hunderfossen, and the ruins of Oslo city center.

– I don't want to reveal too much yet, but we'll be visiting some other places in the country as well.

Fascinated by sequels

Film history is filled with sequels, both successes and major disappointments.

– Some of my favorite films of all time are sequels, says Uthaug.

He mentions titles like «Terminator 2» and «Aliens», both known for surpassing their original films. That is why he's pleased to continue the adventure of «Troll».

The idea for a sequel first came up while the original was still in the editing room. In the credits, there was a hint that something new was on the way in a small scene from Dovrefjell.

However, according to Uthaug, that wasn't necessarily a hint at film number two.

– It kind of belongs to the genre to hint that there's a bit more to come.

The sequel has already generated interest in several international film magazines. A fake trailer also appeared online several months ago.

Controversy surrounding film awards

One of the big stories towards the end of the summer was that despite its millions of viewers, the film «Troll» was never nominated for the Norwegian filmindustry award: the Amanda.

This is because one of the requirements of the committee are that films are shown in cinemas, while Uthaug's film went straight to a streaming service.

He calls it old-fashioned.

– I think it's sad for those who have worked hard both in front of, and behind the camera, that they can't receive the same recognition as those who do the same job on a theatrical film.

The plans for the sequel is also to go straight to Netflix.

Tonje Hardersen, the head of the Amanda committee, confirms to NRK that they are currently discussing possible changes to the award.

One of the points being considered is introducing a separate category for streaming films.

– Do we get to see a new troll, more trolls...?

Uthaug is tight-lipped and reveals few details about what story the sequel will tell.

But the conspiracy from the first film, where parts of the government and the royal family kept the existence of trolls hidden from the public, may reappear.

Uthaug says he has also received emails from people who believe that giants once roamed the Norwegian wilderness. Giants that have now turned into stone.

– They have thanked me for finally telling the truth, he says with a laugh.

Uthaug can only reveal one small detail:

– The only thing I can do is probably quote a character from the first film: «There are those who have always known».

CORRECTION MADE 19.09.23, 19:34:

Since publishing this article, we have corrected 100 million people to 100 million times streamed.