Throughout 2021, Squid Game was impossible to avoid, with millions of viewers watching and the show spreading like wildfire over social media.
The show became Netflix ’s most-watched show of all time in just over a week, essentially securing its sequel immediately.
However, despite the showrunner teasing a follow-up over the following months, Netflix never officially gave it the go-ahead.
That is until now, as the streaming giant dropping the first poster and plot hints over the weekend.
It's raised even more questions with what to expect from the second season, but there is still a significant wait before viewers can sink their teeth into it.
Squid Game season two release date
The creator of Squid Game, South Korean filmmaker Hwang Dong-hyuk, first confirmed that he started the writing process for the sequel in November 2021.
However, it wasn’t until June 12 2022, when Netflix officially announced the project, setting in motion a more traditional production cycle.
Last month, he spoke to Vanity Fair, revealing he expects the show to air in late 2023 or early 2024.
Netflix itself hasn’t provided an alternative date to that estimate, so fans should brace themselves for a long wait.
What is Squid Game season two about?
Little is known about the plot in season two, but it will be a direct continuation of the first season’s stories.
There were many theories that the show could feature a completely new cast, set in a different year from the original Squid Game.
However, Hwang’s comments with the reveal have debunked that speculation.
It reads: “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.”
For anyone who can’t remember, Young-hee isn’t a person, but rather the massive doll that featured in the first game of season one, Red Light, Green Light.
The first image of season two looks to be Young-hee’s eye, but based on the comments, it could be this mysterious “boyfriend” Hwang has teased.
As for Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), he was last seen boarding a plane to confront the people responsible for the Squid Games.
Donning his new red hair, it seems it is inevitable he will cross paths with The Front Man again.
Who is returning for Squid Game season two?
As Gi-hun was the only surviving member of the 456 participating players, if you are expecting more of the main cast to return, it would have to be in flashbacks.
His daughter is also halfway around the world now in America, with Gi-hun letting her go at the end of season one.
The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) seems in full control of the Squid Game now, so he seems to be taking the primary antagonist position.
A question mark remains over Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), the police officer who tracked the Squid Game down in search of his brother.
Of course, his brother turned out to be The Front Man, gunning him off the side of a cliff.
His death isn’t explicitly seen though, and as is usually the case, any off-screen death is no death at all.
Speaking to South Korean outlet The Star, Wi said: "If I were to imagine Hwang Jun-ho in season 2, I'd want him to find his brother again and ask him what in the world happened [to him]."
Expect Netflix to confirm new stars attached to season two over the course of the following year.
