Netflix Says 'Squid Game' Season 2 'Absolutely' Happening, Hints at Growing Franchise

Squid Game fans will be thrilled to know a second series of the enthralling Netflix K-drama is "absolutely" on the way, the streamer's co-CEO and chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, confirmed Thursday.

Netflix co-founder and co-CEO Reed Hastings also hinted at the future growth of Squid Game as a franchise.

On a fourth-quarter earnings interview on January 20, 2022, asked whether there will be a season two for Squid Game, Sarandos said: "Absolutely. The Squid Game universe has just begun."

He explained the company had been "betting that you could take films and series from anywhere in the world and entertain the entire world."

This bet came through "in the biggest way possible" with Squid Game, "which has become our biggest series ever," Sarandos said.

The runaway hit is "unapologetically and perfectly Korean," the Netflix co-CEO said, adding: "So it's not built to be this kind of global thing. It's proving that great storytelling from anywhere in the world can entertain the world."

Squid Game fever has seen the launch of a range of products themed around the show, from video games to tracksuits and other apparel such as a collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand BAPE, which recently unveiled a lineup of limited edition Squid Game-themed tees. Pre-orders for the t-shirts begin at 10 a.m. ET Friday, January 21, according to BAPE.

Asked about what needs to be in place strategically and operationally to build a franchise, Netflix's Hastings said: "We're building those muscles steadily with our consumer products, both like the Squid Game tracksuits," noting the streamer is "making a big push" on experiences that are mobile and portable.

"So if you think of a world in a few years where those are strong muscles and then you think of the next Bridgerton or Squid Game coming through, that's what we hope to be able to really pull those pieces together," he added.

Squid Game Director on Season 2 and Beyond

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk recently hinted at potentially a third season of Squid Game, in addition to season two getting underway.

In an interview with South Korean broadcast, KBS, on December 28, 2021, Hwang revealed that he is "discussing season two and three with Netflix," adding "there should be some sort of conclusion soon."

Noting he was aware that "so many are awaiting [the new episodes of Squid Game], Hwang said: "Everyone is working hard to prepare for the next season."

While the official release dates for both seasons two and three have yet to be confirmed, Hwang did reveal the Gi-hun character (contestant No. 456, played by Lee Jung-jae, who won the deadly survival competition) will be the "big plot" that drives the second season.

He explained that "the story of the people Gi-hun meets and chases after will be the big storyline for Season two," according to South Korea's Edaily.

What Squid Game Cast Members Said About Season 2

Lee Jung-jae (Player No. 456)

South Korea's Maeil Business reported Thursday, January 20th that Lee also recently said "Hwang has decided to use me in season two" of Squid Game.

In an interview with Esquire back in early December 2021, Lee said viewers may potentially see the humorous side of Gi-hun in the second season.

"Because Gi-hun became more serious because he has to rescue these people, I'm thinking that he would become a more determined character," Lee explained.

"But if he's just too determined, that could be a little bit boring. So I'm guessing the fun parts of Gi-hun will also come out in the next season," he added.

Wi Ha-jun (The Detective)

In the December 2021 issue of South Korea's The Star, Wi spoke about his character, detective Hwang Jun-ho—a policeman who infiltrates the games facility disguised as a staff member in a bid to find out what happened to his brother (the Frontman character) who went missing.

Wi said: "My character had an observer's point of view, so it had a lot of emotional limitations. Thinking about Hwang Jun-ho in season two, I'd want him to go back to his older brother and ask him what on Earth has happened."

In the final episode of the season 1, the policeman's cover was eventually blown and he was later shot by the Front Man, plunging him off a cliff.

Back in October 2021, speaking to Newsweek in his first interview with a major U.S. publication, Wi said: "I believe the detective was not fatally wounded," since he was shot in the arm.

If there were to be a second season, the actor said he would like to see the "various questions around the story of Jun-ho and the Front Man be answered."

Wi explained: "I wonder why he became the Front Man and why he had to point the gun at his younger brother."

Gong Yoo (The Salesman)

Gong Yoo, the famed Korean actor seen recently in Netflix's The Silent Sea plays the Salesman in Squid Game—a mysterious man who recruits the contestants via a game of "ddakji," a traditional Korean childhood game played with squares of folded paper.

Asked in late December 2021 about whether we can expect to see him in Squid Game season two, the actor said "I don't know" and that the call would have to be made after he sees the script, reported South Korea's Osen.

The actor explained: "I'm still close with director Hwang Dong-hyuk" but they hadn't been able to be in touch recently, noting the last time they'd spoken was when Hwang was fulfilling the required quarantine period in South Korea just after returning from the U.S.

As the director has not been in touch with any details yet, the actor said he's "not sure exactly how Squid Game will progress."

"As always, I'll make a judgment [about whether to do Squid Game season two] after taking a look at the script," he said, according to Osen.

Back in October 2021, Hwang told CNN he hoped to unravel some of the mysteries behind the Salesman character in a future season.