EXCLUSIVE: Troll Hunter remake is still on, official announcement coming soon

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Even though it’s on the verge of being released domestically via limited theatrical release and Video On Demand, the idea of remaking TROLL HUNTER is still a very real one. I learned as much from André Øvredal recently when I sat down with the Norwegian director to chat all things TROLL HUNTER, which is just about to invade the U.S. The remake possibility emerged last year, after the film had a successful premiere at Fantastic Fest (Universal owns the remake rights), but as the flick has generated steam on its own, and is impressive enough to be accessible to a general audience, I figured the remake was all but extinct.

Øvredal told me differently, however. “There is a contract negotiation going on,” the director said enthusiastically. “But it’s taking months, just because of details in the contract. There should be an announcement within several weeks.”

Based on his tone, it surprised me a little that Øvredal sounded all for this remake. As we know, some directors immediately scoff at the idea of their work being remade, especially when it’s a film that is just being released and hasn’t had a chance to connect with the audience on its own. “They have to make the announcement, but I am very proud that these people want to do the remake,” Øvredal said, referencing mysterious participants whose identities he wouldn’t divulge. “I’m very happy about it.”

I inquired if he’d be involved with the remake at all. “Maybe. I’ve grown to know them a little bit so sure, whatever, I’ll be an advisor on it of some kind.” He went on to tell me that the “mockumentary” angle will stay intact.

Øvredal also told me that while he’s thinking about doing TROLL HUNTER 2, he’s got other projects lined up that he’d prefer to focus on at the moment. One of them is the collaboration with Chris Columbus that we heard about last month; supposedly the project is in the vein of GREMLINS, which seems a perfect fit for Øvredal. “I can’t talk much about it, but it’s there,” Øvredal said. “First and foremost this is the project that has my focus now…”

There’s lots more from Øvredal regarding TROLL HUNTER, his inspirations and what else he’s got going on, but you’ll have to wait until next week’s Arrow in the Head Podcast to catch it all. Meanwhile, TROLL HUNTER hits On Demand on MAY 6th and select theaters beginning on JUNE 10th.

TROLL HUNTER domestic trailer