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Squid Game season 2: Everything we know so far

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A man looks at a man in uniform in Squid Game season 2.
Netflix

Following a hugely successful first season that surprised virtually everyone, 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, rewarded with an insanely large cash prize. As many wonder about what season 2 could contain, here’s what we know so far about the hit Netflix show’s future:

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What will season 2 of Squid Game be about?

Squid Game | Official Trailer | Netflix

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 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.

It seems, then, that Gi-hun is determined to take down whoever is still running the Squid Game and ensure that it is not allowed to continue.

When will season 2 be released?

Netflix

Although the 2023 Hollywood strikes cast an air of uncertainty around 2024’s programming, Squid Game was unaffected. Netflix has announced that Hwang Dong-hyuks’s blockbuster survival thriller will return this year.

However, no additional details about the timeframe were included in the accouchement. If we had to hazard a guess, a fall or winter 2024 premiere may be in the cards.

Is there a trailer for Squid Game season 2?

Not yet. But there is a very quick preview scene featuring Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) in a very tense conversation with someone whom he has vowed to find in the aftermath of Squid Game season 1.

Introducing the very first look at Season 2 of SQUID GAME. Coming this year. pic.twitter.com/mT80pivKmo

— Squid Game #오징어게임 (@squidgame) February 1, 2024

Has Netflix released any pictures from Squid Game season 2?

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.

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

— Squid Game #오징어게임 (@squidgame) February 1, 2024

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, and 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?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s not known now who is in the cast of season 2. Lee Jung-jae, the lead star of the first season, survived the brutal game, so he’s likely to be back.

The mysterious Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun, is set to be a major player in the series, so he should also be back. One of the most popular cast members, HoYeon Jung, probably won’t be back, as her character, Kang Sae-byeok, was killed off at the end of season one.

What needs to be addressed in the second season?

Netflix

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 In Ho, the mysterious Front Man who also turned out to be the missing brother of the detective on the island investigating the games. In 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.

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Joe Allen
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Joe Allen is a freelance writer based in upstate New York focused on movies and TV.
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