[5] He ended up winning the role of Michael Waits, head of the family that falls victim to the titular villains.

After the film's dismal reception following a direct-to-video release, he returned to practicing dentistry full-time and did not pursue acting any further.

Word of mouth slowly spread about Troll 2 regarding how laughably poor it was, allowing a loyal fanbase to develop.

This reached a head with the Upright Citizens Brigade's 2006 "Troll 2 Experience" screening, where Hardy was thrust back into the limelight as a guest of honor (along with several other cast members).

This film has gone on to receive widespread critical and audience acclaim[7] and was the centerpiece of an international tour that both Hardy and Stephenson engaged in between 2009 and 2010.