Despite the title, there isn't a single troll in the movie.
The film was shot on location in Morgan, Utah, with a cast of American amateurs and local theatre actors, none of whom spoke Italian. Fragasso spoke almost no English. Communication on set involved a translator yelling Fragasso’s aggressive Italian directions to the actors, who then had to improvise their reactions. troll 2
Director Claudio Fragasso (under the pseudonym "Drake Floyd") reportedly told his English-speaking cast to act "more American." The result is a cast of children, amateurs, and locals who perform every emotion—fear, joy, confusion—at the same volume: maximum overdrive . The dad, Michael, delivers lines like a man who just realized he left the oven on. The mom, Diana, looks perpetually like she’s smelling a bad egg. Despite the title, there isn't a single troll in the movie
The trolls' design has become an iconic part of the film's cult appeal, with fans often citing their bizarre appearance as a reason for the movie's enduring popularity. In fact, the trolls have become so beloved that they've inspired countless fan art, cosplay, and even a devoted following among fans of B-movies and cult cinema. The mom, Diana, looks perpetually like she’s smelling
(1990) is famously one of the most unintentionally hilarious films ever made. Directed by Claudio Fragasso—an Italian director who didn't speak fluent English at the time—it’s a movie where:
if you want a cinematic monster movie that feels like a European Godzilla , complete with great CGI and deep folklore.
Whichever you choose, you're in for a wild ride. Just remember: if someone offers you green cake in a town called Nilbog...