Squid Game season 2: Everything we know so far about the hit Netflix series

Following a hugely successful first season that exceeded virtually everyone’s expectations, many fans are eager for the potential return of Squid Game. In its first season, the show followed a group of contestants competing against one another in a series of children’s games with deadly stakes.

Some of those playing the game would die, and the rest would move on to the next round. Ultimately, a single winner emerged, and was rewarded with an insanely large cash prize. As many wonder what season 2 could contain, here’s what we know so far about the hit Netflix show’s future.

Is there a trailer for Squid Game season 2?

Yes! There are several trailers for the show that are now available. During Netflix’s Geeked Week in late September, the streamer dropped another teaser showing more of what everyone can expect from season 2 of the hit show.

There’s also another teaser trailer out that once again hints at the scale of the games. In the show, 456 players compete in a life-or-death struggle for enough money to be set for life. And if the identity of player 456 is any indication, it may mean that last season’s winner, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), is somehow back in the games.

That might be a lateral move of Gi-hun, if he entered willingly. But since he’s expressed his desire to expose the people behind the games, this could also be a way for the Front Man to silence Gi-hun. Winning once was hard enough. Doing it twice may be impossible for anyone who isn’t named Katniss Everdeen.

Netflix released a teaser titled, “You’re Invited,” which features the return of the Recruiter (Gong Yoo.). In season 1, the Recruiter goaded Gi-hun into entering the game, but failed to disclose any details about its deadly nature. The brief teaser shows the Recruiter getting ready to find new players for season 2.

Netflix previously released the first trailer for the upcoming season.

Also, there is a very quick preview scene featuring Seong Gi-hun in a very tense conversation with someone whom he has vowed to find in the aftermath of Squid Game season 1.

What will season 2 of Squid Game be about?

Along with the teaser, Netflix released a brief synopsis of season 2. “Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the States and comes back with a new resolution in his mind. Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 456 billion won.”

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show’s creator, has said that he has an outline for the second season. “I do have a basic storyline for season two; it’s all in my head, and I am currently in the brainstorming stage. It will happen, someday, but as for when I cannot tell you the details,” he told AP News.

In January 2022, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said that the show would be returning for a second season, but most of the details about that second season are still up in the air.

When we last left Gi-hun, the first season winner, he had discovered the identity of the game’s creator and finally started using the funds he had won. In the show’s final scene, Gi-hun is planning to get on a flight to Los Angeles to be reunited with his daughter but sees a man being recruited to play the Squid Game on his way to his plane. He ultimately tries to discover who is behind the game by calling the number on the recruiter’s card, only to be told to get on his plane. Gi-hun then refuses and returns to the airport.

“Season 2 explores how Gi-hun follows through on his words after leaving the airport,” Hwang told Tudum. “Gi-hun’s endeavor to find out who these people are and why they do what they do is the core story of Season 2.”

When will season 2 be released?

Squid Game fans still have a few more months to wait before the new season arrives, but we now know that the wait is almost over. Netflix is giving the show’s viewers a special post-Christmas gift with the announcement that Squid Game season 2 is coming on December 26. And unlike some of Netflix’s other signature series, Squid Game‘s second season is not being split into multiple parts.

Has Netflix released any pictures from Squid Game season 2?

FIRST LOOK IMAGES. SQUID GAME SEASON 2. Coming 2024. pic.twitter.com/8p6yTnwC3O

— Squid Game (@squidgame) February 1, 2024

Yes. Along with the confirmation that Squid Game season 2 will arrive in 2024, Netflix shared the following images on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. We need more context to decipher what’s happening in each picture. But it looks like the games are increasing in scope.

How long will Squid Game season 2 be?

Unknown. The first season was nine episodes long, with each episode approximately one hour each, so we have to think season 2 will mimic that format and length.

Who has been cast in Squid Game season 2?

Lee Jung-jae reprises his Emmy-winning role of Seong Gi-hun in season 2. Other cast members returning for the second season are Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man, the masked leader of the game; Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho, the detective who sneaks into the game to find his brother; and the Recruiter, the mysterious man who persuaded Gi-hun to sign up for the game.

New cast members joining Squid Game season 2 include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young,  Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

“[Season 2] will definitely be more enjoyable than season 1,” said Wi Ha-joon to The Korea Times. “For starters, more unique and interesting characters have been added. And all the cast members are such excellent actors carrying out their part so well. Also, my character Hwang Jun-ho, has his own story in here, so I think season 2 will be even more interesting, allowing his character to develop a little deeper.”

What needs to be addressed in the second season?

In addition to Gi-hun’s potential attempt to infiltrate the games to shut them down, there are a few other unresolved plotlines from the show’s first season that fans would like to see addressed.

One that has caused the most intrigue is the identities of the masked VIPs who watch the games play out and bet on various contestants. Learning who they are may unravel the entire scheme behind the games, and it could also be an extra satisfying reveal.

It’s also possible that we’ll see more from Hwang Ju-ho, the mysterious Front Man who also turned out to be the missing brother of the detective on the island investigating the games. Jun-ho shot his brother at the end of the first season to protect the games, but how will he feel about that decision? If he has any regrets, that could be fertile ground for the second season to explore.

Will there be a Squid Game season 3?

Attention all players: we’re here to deliver an important message. pic.twitter.com/xspvk8HheP

— Squid Game (@squidgame) July 31, 2024

Yes. As part of the season 2 premiere date announcement, Netflix has confirmed that Squid Game season 3 is happening. And unlike the previous season, there won’t be a three-year gap. The third season of Squid Game is slated to arrive in 2025. The only bad news is that the series will come to a conclusion at that point. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed the end of the series in a message that was posted on Squid Game‘s social media accounts.

“Seong Gi-hun, who vowed revenge at the end of season 1, returns and joins the game again. 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 in season three, which will be brought to you next year. I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of the story.”

Season 2 will feature the boyfriend of season 1’s killer doll

The most iconic scene of season 1 is arguably the Red Light, Green Light game, where a giant killer doll named Young-hee kills more than half the field. In June 2022, director Hwang teased that he would introduce audiences to Young-hee’s boyfriend, Cheol-su, in season 2. Will Cheol-su be as deadly as Young-hee? It’s definitely possible, given the iconic status of the first season’s memorable statue.

Will there be an American remake of Squid Game?

Since Squid Game is now one of Netflix’s most successful properties, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the streaming giant green-lights production for an American remake, even while the original show is still running.

The InSneider’s Jeff Sneider alleges that has been in the case back in April 2023. In fact, he claims Netflix eyeing Mindhunter David Fincher, of all people, to direct and produce this remake. This rumor led to Netflix President Ted Sarandos publicly shooting it down as “just a rumor.”