The release date of Squid Game season 3 has finally arrived, and fans are feeling a whole bucket of emotions before bingeing it on Netflix.
On one hand, they can’t wait to find out what happened to Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after his attempt to pull off a rebellion inside the game failed and resulted in the deaths of multiple players.
But on the other hand, the quicker you speed through the six episodes, the faster the season will draw to a close (obviously). What a conundrum!
Metro recently spoke to the creator of the show, Hwang Dong-hyuk, about the future of the franchise, and he revealed where the story could go following the conclusion of season 3.
Is Squid Game really ending with season 3?
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Sadly, yes – this is the end of Squid Game as we know it.
After the series debuted on Netflix in 2021 and quickly became a global phenomenon, creator Dong-hyuk confirmed in a letter to fans that the third season would be its last.
‘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 writer and director wrote.
‘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.’
Could there be a Squid Game spin-off?
While season three of Squid Game is the official end of the show, it’s not officially a goodbye to the franchise. Not really.
Because lo and behold, creator Dong-hyuk has confirmed he plans on expanding his dystopian universe with a spin-off series.
There are so many directions this could go in – a prequel looking back at the very start of the games, a flash-forward to the future, providing backstories on key characters… the list goes on.
One thing’s for sure – Squid Game fans have plenty to look forward to.
What has the creator of Squid Game said about a spin-off series?
While attending the London premiere of Squid Game season at the Barbican Centre, creator Dong-hyuk spoke to Metro about the idea he’s had for a spin-off series.
He emphasised that there was ‘nothing concrete yet’ for an official spin-off, but he has a strong idea that could potentially end up in the pipeline.
The writer suggested that they could delve into the backstories of people including the sinister Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and the Recruiter (Gong Yoo).
‘This is just some ideas that I’ve been throwing around during production. But there’s a three-year gap between season one and two, since Gi-hun turns away from the plane,’ he said.
‘So I’d like to maybe look into the lives of those behind the mask, the Front Man, the Recruiter and Captain Park. How did they meet? What did they do during the three years?
‘How did they stay on top of Gi-hun and whatnot? So that’s something that I’m thinking about. I have to make it!’
The Front Man himself, Byung-hun, spoke to Metro about the spin-off idea, revealing that he’d be more than up for reprising the role.
‘I’m sure that’s going to be a very gripping story, since Squid Game is already beloved by the entire globe. If there is a spin-off, or maybe a sequel or prequel, I’m sure people wouldlove it. And if there is one, I would love to join the universe once again,’ he told us while we spoke to him from London Raffles hotel.
The Front Man and the Recruiter have been a part of Squid Game since the beginning, although the former was only unmasked at the very end of season one, when he revealed himself to his brother, Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon).
The latter shed light on his backstory in season two, when he explained to Gi-hun that he willingly shot his own father dead during the game while he was working as a soldier.
Captain Park (Oh Dal-su) was introduced in season two as the fisherman who saved Hwang Jun-ho’s life when he was shot by his brother and fell from a cliff into the sea.
In season two, the captain was shown helping the police detective to search for the island where Squid Game takes place, but it was later revealed that he was actually a double agent working for the Front Man.
Learning how this trio worked together behind the scenes, and how they were able to keep tabs on Gi-hun in the three years after he won the game, would add a new layer to one of the most thought-provoking thrillers on TV.
What does Metro think about the Squid Game spin-off idea?
Metro TV Editor, Sabrina Barr
When I first heard that there was talk of a Squid Game spin-off series, I envisioned a show taking place after the events of season three, perhaps following Gi-hun’s daughter as she seeks revenge for her father, if he doesn’t make it out of the game for a second time.
However, hearing Hwang Dong-hyuk talk about the possibility of a sequel series that would fill in the blanks of that three-year gap between seasons one and two has piqued my interest greatly.
I would still love to delve into the aftermath of the original series, but there is so much history about the game that we don’t know, with ample content that could pack out a prequel focusing on the Front Man, the Recruiter and Captain Park.
Alternatively, I also think it would be fascinating to watch a prequel on the very first Squid Game, so that we can find out how the game started in the first place, and what it was like in that inaugural year.
On the other hand, maybe part of the allure that surrounds Squid Game is the sense of mystery, with the audience never being privy to the answers that they crave.
Either way, I’m elated that it definitely feels as though there is more Squid Game to come in the future.
What time does Squid Game season 3 come out?
All six episodes of Squid Game season three are due to drop on Netflix on Friday June 27 at 8am BST.
It will mark the shortest season of Squid Game, as the first season had nine episodes and the second had seven.
An earlier version of this article was published on June 13.
Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.
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