Netflix has responded to backlash it received following the release of its latest trailer for season two of hit TV series Squid Game. The streaming platform was flooded with complaints after viewers spotted a distinct lack of diversity in the teaser trailer for the South Korean thriller's second instalment.
During Netflix TUDUM: Global Fan Event last week, it was confirmed that Lee Jung-Jae would reprise his lead role as Seong Gi-hun, alongside Lee Byung-hun as Front Man, Wi Ha-joon as police detective Jun-ho and Gong Yoo as the Recruiter.
It was also revealed that the much anticipated release would introduce new characters, played by Unlocked's Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, The Glory's Park Sung-hoon and Yang Dong-geun. However, there is yet to be a woman confirmed in the cast, sparking backlash online.
Taking to Twitter, one user Clxvdtyun said: "Squid game season 2's new characters are just men like where are the women???? The female actress was the best thing of season 1."
SeraphLunaK wrote: "They really just be showing men for the new season 2 of Squid Game huh? I know it's just a small preview, but if /all/ the major characters are men then I'm turned off."
The cast announcement confused many and ignited fears that the series will be male dominated, despite the popularity of the series' female actors. However, AliceGraysons urged people to be patient, tweeting: "CHILL, this is just the first announcement. There will be more."
In response to the fears, Netflix echoed Alice's message. Speaking to Insider, a Netflix spokesperson said: "This was the first cast announcement for Squid Game season two.
"We're excited to share more casting news soon, which will include the leading female characters." The female performers are rumoured to be Park Gyu-young and former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu-ri.
But, there is yet to be confirmation of the decision. Also yet to be announced, is when fans can expect Squid Game season two to be released on Netflix.
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The next series of Squid Game will likely be released around autumn or winter 2024 at the absolute earliest. Filming is yet to get fully underway and this is expected to last at least 10 months.
