Squid Game season 2 release, cast plans, and what we know so far

You know about Squid Game. Even if you didn’t watch it, you heard of it — possibly from friends who couldn’t stop talking about it, but also just from existing in the world. It was inescapable; it quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched series around the world, garnering some 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first 28 days, according to data from the streamer. Zedd did a remix with the Squid Game theme; red light green light got a bump, as did ppogi; and Netflix even did an ill-advised (and ultimately boring) reality show based on the dystopian games of the original.

Which is all to say: Of course there was going to be a Squid Game season 2, and a season 3. Here’s everything we know about it, including the recently announced release date for the second season (and the tease for the third).

[Ed. note: This post contains spoilers for the end of Squid Game season 1.]

When will Squid Game season 2 debut on Netflix?

It’s a Christmas miracle — or, more accurately, a Boxing Day one, with season 2 premiering on December 26, 2024.

The news comes via a letter from Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, that also confirmed that the third and final season would be coming in 2025. Netflix confirmed it had given the show a green light (ayy) for season 2 in June 2022, a slight delay after its big release in Fall 2021. Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk had no plans for a second season, and took some time off after the first.

Is there going to be a Squid Game season 3?

Yes! In his letter announcing the season 2 release date, Hwang shared a few more details (emphasis on “few”) on season 2, alongside the announcement of a new season coming in 2025: “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 with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year.”

Will Lee Jung-jae be back for Squid Game season 2?

Image: Netflix

Yes! Hwang confirmed in a letter last year that Lee’s Gi-hun will be back for season 2, as the end of season 1 teed up. The Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun) will also be making a dastardly return to the Squid Game of season 2, along with Wi Ha-joon and Gong Yoo. (Hwang did express regret that he killed off a lot of beloved characters when he thought Squid Game season 1 was just going to be a one-off.)

Hwang also had this to say in the letter: “The man in the suit with the ddakji might be back. You’ll also be introduced to Young-hee’s boyfriend, Cheol-su.” Other notable names appearing in season 2: Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Im Si-wan, Yang Dong-geun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Won Ji-an, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-shim, Lee David, and Roh Jae-won.

What is season 2 of Squid Game about?

So far both Hwang and Netflix have been playing most details close to the chest. Beyond the new and old cast at play here, there’s not a ton of information about how Gi-hun gets roped back into the game (though season 1’s finale dangles that a bit). But from what we can tell from the images Netflix released, Squid Game season 2 sees Gi-hun making good on his desire to bring the games down altogether.

Photo: Noh Ju Han/Netflix

Photo: Juhan Noh/Netflix

Will Squid Game season 2 have the same theme song?

Odds are pretty good, we’d guess — Jung Jae-il (who also composed for Parasite) really hit with that one, and it’s pretty indelible, even with several years of no Squid Game. Expect to be haunted by that simple tune again!