Netflix has just dropped a sequel to one of its most unexpected hit movies, after the first outing was released back in 2022. Troll 2 has arrived on the streaming platform globally and promises more mayhem for its loyal fans, who are keen to see what unfolds next in the saga. 

Returning to Norway, the movie follows chaos after a new ancient troll is awoken, with adventurers Nora (played by Ine Marie Wilmann), Andreas (Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen) and Captain Kris (Mads Sjøgård Pettersen) embarking on a brand-new mission to stop the creature. The group must delve into Norway’s ancient mythology to curb the creature’s rampage across the nation and form new allies in search of answers.

They are up against the clock as the troll’s destruction grows worse as they try to stop it and save their homeland from descending into darkness. Will they succeed against this huge foe? Netflix‘s Troll 2 comes from director Roar Uthaug, who is also behind Tomb Raider, Cold Prey and The Wave. 

Some have already rushed to Netflix to watch the sequel as one person posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I’ll admit I wasn’t too hopeful it would work a second time. However, I found the plot of this one to work almost even better, so I watched it with a huge smile on my face.”

While a second wrote on the platform: “#Troll2 is a definite classic. If the first film was an 8, this sequel is definitely a 9 or straight up 10. I have tears in my eyes, bro [sic].” They added: “I really enjoyed #Troll2. It was so pleasing to watch. I didn’t think they could top the first film, but they definitely did.”

But the film seems to have garnered a mixed response from critics and audiences. 

Among the critics, the Guardian awarded the film 2/5 stars and said the film “wears everything lightly” and explained: “It flits between elements of Spielbergian wonderment, Indiana Jones-esque treasure hunt, and Arrival-style communication with alien entities, without majoring in any of them.”

Comicbook.com described the second outing as a “solid, unspectacular sequel” with the reviewer stating: “If you’re hoping for Troll 2 to be as good as the first Troll, or even surpass it like some kind of Dark Knight situation, you’ll be disappointed.” They warned that the film doesn’t “hit the same heights as its predecessor” and is a “step down” visually as well. 

Scifinow was more favourable in its critique and concluded: “Is it occasionally a little over-the-top? Absolutely. Is that part of its charm? Also absolutely. Troll 2 is a blast. Ambitious, playful and unapologetically giant-sized.”

Troll 2 comes three years after the first movie made its mark the world, with the title becoming a global phenomenon on Netflix with 103 million views, becoming the most popular non-English language film on the platform. 

Previously on IMDb, fans praised the movie, with one posting: “Troll is a good escape from reality film which is sort of a King Kong in Norway story.” They added: “The special effects are good and the story has enough funny moments to keep the audience entertained. Troll is a decent action film.”

A second hailed it as “picturesque and engaging with a few flaws”. The audience member elaborated: “There is an unmissable KingKongish feel throughout. The sequel teased should deal with the troll part better than just stomping and roaring. The scenic beauty of Norwegian mountains is well captured and the whole ambience reeks of impending calamity [sic].”

A third person gave the first film 8/10 stars and said: “I really enjoyed this one. It’s well acted, the special effects are great and the story is suprisingly engaging.” They praised it for being “the best movie of the genre” they’d seen.

The film was in the top 10 charts in 93 countries and shot to number one in its native Norway, the USA and the UK on Netflix. There are high hopes Troll 2 will follow in the giant footsteps of its predecessor and even surpass it in popularity after its release.

Previously speaking to Netflix’s Tudum about the success of the first film, filmmaker Uthang said: “I am beyond proud of how audiences around the globe connected with the first Troll film far beyond what we imagined.” He added: “With the sequel, we are aiming high – expanding the scope, deepening the story, and creating a troll-sized spectacle like you’ve never seen before. I cannot wait for fans to experience the adventure we have in store.”

Reflecting on returning for Troll 2, lead star Willmann said: “Diving into the Troll adventure was incredibly fun the first time around, and we were absolutely amazed by its global success. She went on to say: “It is with great respect and excitement that I embarked on creating the sequel. I hope and believe that people will enjoy more of what they appreciated last time. We certainly had a fantastic time making Troll 2, and we are really looking forward to sharing it with the world.”

Troll 2 is streaming on Netflix now