Initially, Helander planned to cast the film's antagonist Igor Draganov as a younger man, but when he was recommended to hire Stephen Lang, Helander became excited by the idea of having a villain of roughly the same age as the hero.
According to director Jalmari Helander, the film's intended tone and action-oriented focus were influenced by 'Indiana Jones', 'James Bond', and also the films by Buster Keaton.
Jorma Tommila has said that he utilized the teachings of theater director Jouko Turkka when preparing for his physically demanding role.
The idea for the plot of the sequel came about while Helander was renovating his apartment.
The film is the second in Helander's career to cast an American actor in a central role; the last time Samuel L. Jackson starred in Big Game (2014).