'Squid Game' season two is set to look very different - here's what we know about the next instalment
Spoilers ahead
The highly-anticipated Squid Game season two is on its way, and we officially cannot wait.
The South Korean thriller series first landed on our screens back in 2021, seeing hundreds of debt-ridden players compete in a series of life or death children's games for a cash prize of 45.6 billion won.
The international sensation broke Netflix viewing records with over 142 million households watching the series in its first month. It even overtook the previous record held by Bridgerton (82 million), to become the most viewed show on Netflix ever.
And the subsequent award season saw Squid Game dominate, taking home six Emmy awards, and making history to become the first show not in English to win for 'Best Lead Actor' and 'Best Director' in a drama series.
Now, after the unprecedented success of its first season, Squid Game is returning for a season two, and according to Executive Producer Hwang Dong-hyuk, a third and final season will be following in 2025.
"The real game begins," announced Dong-hyuk in an open letter to break the news. "It's been almost three years since Season 1 was met with incredible response around the world and many unimaginable events took place. I am beyond excited to be writing this letter to announce the date for Season 2 and share the news of Season 3, the final season."
"On the first day we began shooting Season 2, I remember thinking, 'Wow, I can't believe I'm back in the world of Squid Game,'" Dong-hyuk continued in his open letter. "It almost felt surreal, I wonder how it will feel for you to be back in Squid Game after three years, as well.
"I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story," the announcement later concluded. "We'll do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride. I hope you're excited for what's to come. Thank you, always, and see you soon, everyone."
But what can we expect from the next instalment, and when can we expect it?
Squid Game season two trailer
A trailer for Squid Game season two has officially dropped, showing Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) re-enter the game, in a chaotic series of life or death challenges, and seemingly cause further disruption to the game itself.
This comes after a previous teaser trailer for the second instalment dropped earlier this summer.
A special teaser video was also released earlier this year, showing the Front Man (Hwang In-ho) turn up at Seong Gi-hun's door, and confirming that the game would not stop.
Squid Game season two release date
The season two release date has been confirmed as 26 December 2024 by show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, releasing an official date announcement teaser video to break the news.
Squid Game season two cast
Unsurprisingly, given the premise of Squid Game, most of the characters from season one are dead, but there are a few key faces who survived and will be making a return.
The show's protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), played by Lee Jung-jae will once again be returning to Squid Game as the winner of the year before. And joining him will be Lee Byung-Hun and Wi Ha-Jun, returning as the Front Man and Hwang Jun-ho, respectively.
There will also be some new faces joining the Squid Game season two cast, with Netflix announcing the new arrivals on social media.
Joining the season two cast of Squid Game are Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-shim, Park Gyu-young, Choi Seung-hyun, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.
Squid Game season two plot
The end of Squid Game season one saw Gi-hun travelling to the airport to see his daughter in Los Angeles, but after spotting a recruiter for the contest, he takes a calling card and confronts the Front Man about the competition. After being told to get on the plane, Gi-hun turns around, with the seeming intention of going after Squid Game and its creators.
Squid Game season two is reported to be starting where season one finished, following Gi-hun on his quest to shut down the competition.
"Seong Gi-hun who vowed revenge at the end of Season 1 returns and joins the game again," reads Hwang Dong-hyuk's teaser of what's to come. "Will he succeed in getting his revenge? Front Man doesn't seem to be an easy opponent this time either. The fierce clash between their two worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year."
What have the creators of Squid Game said about season two?
Hwang Dong-Hyuk - writer, director, producer and creator of Squid Game, sent a message out to fans to announce the show's second season.
"A whole new round is coming," read the statement, posted to social media. "It took 12 years to bring the first season of 'Squid Game' to life last year. But it took 12 days for 'Squid Game' to become the most popular Netflix series ever.
"As the writer, director and producer of 'Squid Game,' a huge shout out to fans around the world. Thank you for watching and loving our show.
"And now, Gi-hun returns. The Front Man returns. Season 2 is coming. The man in the suit with ddakji might be back. You'll also be introduced to Young-hee's boyfriend, Cheol-su. Join us once more for a whole new round."
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has opened up recently about the upcoming series in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, explaining that Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) is "a different person" after surviving the games in season one.
"In season 2, you will not be getting the foolish and clumsy or childish at times Gi-hun that you saw in the beginning," the director explained. "You will get to see a much heavier, darker side of Gi-hun."
"Gi-hun's purpose is not to play the game, but to go after those who have created the game and put a stop to it," added Lee Jung-jae. "Compared to every other participant within the game and also himself in season 1, the approach that he takes is going to be very different this time around. It could almost be described as a game-within-a-game for Gi-hun."
Well, this is extremely exciting.
We will continue to update this story.
