Warning: Squid Game spoilers ahead.
The deadly Squid Game has been dominating our screens (and minds) ever since its series 2 launch on Boxing Day, but is there a third season coming? Yes there is, we're happy to report. And Netflix has just confirmed a summer release date.
The dystopian South Korean series has broken records on Netflix yet again – following its season 2 release, it became the first ever show to debut at number one in every single country where Netflix is available – so it's no surprise that viewers are already wondering when the next instalment will arrive.
For those who immediately watched Squid Game season 2 immediately after its release on Boxing Day, here's everything we know so far about the upcoming season 3 of the show.
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Is there going to be a Squid Game season 3?
Categorically, yes – and it has already been filmed. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk previously told Deadline: “I wrote seasons two and three at the same time, and we were in production for both simultaneously, and currently we are in the post-production process for Season 3. When I was writing the script for the two seasons, I felt like there was a big turning point or an inflection point, and that was the end of episode seven, so I thought that it would do it justice to have a separate season after that. That’s why I had first seven episodes as Season 2 and then the rest of season 3.”
That would explain why some fans felt that the final episode of season 2 was somewhat… abrupt. The story will continue, and come to a conclusion, with the third series – which Dong-hyuk has confirmed will be the final instalment of the show.
Writing an open letter to fans, he said: “I am beyond excited to be writing this letter to announce the date for Season 2 and share the news of Season 3, the final season. The fierce clash between [Gi-hun and Front Man’s] two worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year.”
What is the plot of Squid Game season 3?
Netflix has teased us with the following synopsis: “Picking up where the second season left off, Season 3 explores the choices Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) will make amidst overwhelming despair. As the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) plots his next move, the surviving players find their decisions leading to increasingly dire consequences with each round of the deadly games. This season promises to push the limits of suspense and drama, keeping viewers glued to the action.”
Many of the story arcs that began in season 2 are still unfinished – Gi-hun, for example, still does not know the true identity of Player 001, and we still don't know what happens after that Captain Park cliffhanger.
You can expect plenty more thought-provoking plot twists in season 3 of Squid Game, no doubt. Creator Dong-hyuk told Deadline that the final series will delve more into the two key characters of Gi-hun and The Front Man (In-ho), and that the complex themes of good vs. evil will be explored even deeper. “In Season 3, the two people go through another evolution. It’s going to be even more interesting. There’s going to be head-spinning surprises,” he said.
In the finale of season 2, one of Squid Game's most heart-wrenching moments plays out as Gi-hun's best friend Jung-bae is killed. After leading a rebellion to end the deadly games once and for all, Gi-huns efforts seem to be in vain, as his uprising fails. Dong-hyuk has stated that this tragedy will inform much of the storyline for season 3, telling Variety: “In the third season, having that sense of huge guilt and sense of failure weighing heavily on him — how is Gi-hun going to carry on his mission? That’s the story that’ll further unfold.”
He added: “As for the storyline of the third season, Gi-hun having lost everything, including his best friend, and all of his attempts going to failure, it’s now, what is he going to be like? What state is Gi-hun going to be in? And what will he choose to do? Will he continue on with the mission? Is he going to give up or persist? And so you’re going to meet our character Gi-hun at a very critical crossroads as we begin the third season. Gi-hun will not be the man he was in season 2.”
When will Squid Game season 3 be released?
The third and final season will premiere on 27 June. Not long to wait now.
Squid Game seasons one and two are available to watch on Netflix now.
