Squid Game series 2 start date confirmed with exciting new trailer
Netflix have also confirmed a third series!
Squid Game very quickly became the most-talked about series of 2021, with the South Korean survival drama becoming Netflix's most popular series of all time around the world, taking over from Bridgerton.
Now, following the confirmation of a second season where Netflix revealed the cast, bosses have confirmed the start date for the hugely-antipcated second instalment AND shared the first full length trailer!
When will Squid Game season 2 come out?
It's now been confirmed the second series of Squid Game will land on Netflix on 26th December 2024, a lovely treat for Boxing Day!
Bosses confirmed the news whilst sharing the brand new trailer, writing: 'The real game begins. Squid Game Season 2 coming 26 December, only on Netflix.' (sic)
Squid Game 2 trailer
The first full length trailer was released on Thursday 1st August. The 56-second trailer shows contestants wearing their iconic green overalls whilst on a running track, before a number of contestants appear to drop to the ground.
The camera then pans to the Pink Soldiers, wearing their iconic Squid Game masks, before Front Man asks: "Do you want to play again?"
On Thursday 1st February, Netflix dropped a short teaser for the second series, featuring main character Seong Gi-hun with bright red hair.
As Seong steps out of the airport, his phone rings with a voice saying: "You'll regret your decision", with Seong angrily responding with: "I will find you. No matter what it takes."
On the same day, Director, Writer and Producer Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote an open letter about the show, titled 'The real game begins'.
It read: 'It's been almost three years since Season 1 was met with incredible response around the world and many unimaginable events took place. 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. On the first day we began shooting Season 2, I remember thinking, 'Wow, I can't believe I'm back in the world of Squid Game'. It almost felt surreal. I wonder how it will feel for you to be back in Squid Game after three years, as well.
'Seong Gi-hun who vowed revenge at the end of Season 1 returns and joins the game again. Will he success 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.
'I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story
'We'll do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride. I hope you're excited for what's to come. Thank you, always, and see you soon, everyone'.
Squid Games season 2 cast
Revealing the news at their Tudum fan event in Brazil in 2023, Netflix shared a video which confirmed lead character Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) would be returning alongside the leader of the masked staff, Front Man (Lee Byung-hun).
New players announced for the show include Yim Si-wan (Unlocked), Kang Ha-neul (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations).
Although the names might not be well-known to mainstream audiences, these new additions have all starred in several Korean-language Netflix films and TV series. At present we don't know anything about their characters, but no doubt more information will be released soon.
The video also revealed Gong Yoo will be returning. Gong Yoo played the recruiter who invited Seong Gi-hun to play in the first season.
Will there be more series of Squid Game?
On Sunday 12th June 2022, Netflix confirmed a second series of Squid Game, announcing the news online.
Sharing a video of the doll's red eye, Netflix wrote: 'Greenlight! Squid Game continues, only on Netflix.'
The streaming giant later shared a public notice from Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, revealing small details of what fans can expect from series two.
It read: 'A whole new round is coming.
'It took 12 years to bring the first season of Squid Game to life last year. But it took 12 days for Squid Game to become the most popular Netflix series ever.
'As the writer, director and producer of Squid Game, a huge shout out to fans around the world. Thank you for watching and loving our show.
'And now, 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.'
And it sounds like the show isn't ending with just two series, as a third series was announced on Thursday 1st August!
In the first trailer for series two, a screen appears at the end which says: 'And the final season coming 2025'.
Check out all of the TV shows we can't wait for the return of:
Married At First Sight UK
Following the Australian version earlier this year, fans are gearing up for the 2024 UK series of Married At First Sight. After filming took place earlier this year, the series is set to begin on Monday 16th September.
My Mum, Your Dad
Davina McCall is set to return to help play matchmaker for some middle-aged singletons on series two of My Mum, Your Dad. It's understood the series will begin on 16th September 2024.
The Great British Bake Off
After Matty Egdell won the show last year, Bake Off is set to return once again this September, with a whole host of new aspiring bakers trying to impress Prue and Paul! The new series will begin on Tuesday 26th September.
Strictly Come Dancing
Despite the recent controversy surrounding the show, BBC bosses have confirmed the 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing will go ahead, and the line-up was announced in August! It's understood Strictly will begin on Saturday 21st September.
Waterloo Road
Series 14 of hit school drama Waterloo Road is set to return to BBC One in September! Since the show's revival in 2023, it's been very popular with fans, with Jason Manford joining the cast for the upcoming new series.
Heartstopper
After production started in 2023, in March 2024, Netflix bosses confirmed the third series of Heartstopper will land on 3rd October this year!
Squid Game
Another roaring Netflix success, Squid Game had us all hooked when it was released in 2021. Breaking records and topping streaming charts, the show proved incredibly popular and after THAT ending, left us all wanting more.
Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that season two is officially happening, and now the third and final season has been announced for 2025. In July 2024, Netflix bosses confirmed series two will land on 26th December 2024.
Big Brother
Following the first rebooted series in 2023, ITV/STV bosses were quick to renew reality series Big Brother for a second instalment! It's understood series two will land in October!
Stranger Things
Netflix bosses confirmed in January 2023 that the fifth and final series of Stranger Things had officially started production! Despite this, there's still no word yet on a release date.
The Night Agent
After series one was Netflix's most-watched show of 2023, bosses were quick to commission The Night Agent for a second series, which is due out in 2024. Although we don't have an official start date just yet, in February, bosses confirmed production had started!
Gavin & Stacey
Five years after THAT cliffhanger ending of the last Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, Ruth Jones and James Corden have now confirmed they've written another Christmas special for 2024! Sharing the news in May, the pair confirmed the brand new episode will air on Christmas Day.
Outnumbered
BBC bosses confirmed in May that award-winning comedy Outnumbered will return for a brand new Christmas special in 2024! The original cast Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez will all reprise their roles. The special is expected to air on Christmas Day.
Hijack
Following series one back in June 2023, Apple TV bosses have now confirmed Idris Elba will return for a second series of Hijack! No plot or start date has been announced just yet, but reports are rife that production will begin soon.
Unforgotten
Following the tense ending to series five in April 2023, ITV/STV bosses were quick to reveal drama series Unforgotten had been commissioned for a sixth series. Filming started in March 2024, so we imagine the new episodes could land later in the year.
Black Mirror
In March 2024, Netflix bosses revealed a seventh series of Black Mirror will land in 2025, with one of the episodes set to be a sequel to series four episode USS Callister. No official date has been announced just yet.
Gladiators
Following the hugely successful first series, BBC bosses were quick to announce Gladiators had been commissioned for a second series! Although there's no official start date, filming took place in August, which also included a celebrity special!
The Bay
ITV/STV drama The Bay was immediately renewed for a fifth series, following the fourth in 2023. Marsha Thomason is set to reprise her role as DS Jenn Townsend. Although there's no start date just yet, filming wrapped in July 2024.
Deal or No Deal
Deal or No Deal was one of the most successful reboots of 2023, so it's no shock bosses were quick to renew the show for a second series. Applications for series two are open now, with Stephen Mulhern expected to return later this year.
I'm A Celeb
It is the show we all look forward to towards the end of the year, and this year is no different! Ant and Dec are set to head over to Australia alongside more brave celebs for the 2024 series of I'm A Celeb. The popular entertainment show usually begins in November.
Dancing On Ice
Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby are set to return in early 2025 for a brand new series of Dancing On Ice. Which celebs will sign up this time round?
Race Across The World
Series four of Race Across The World was one of the BBC's most popular shows of the year, and they were quick to renew the show for a fifth series. With applications closing in May this year, we suspect the show will air around Spring 2025.
The Traitors
Following that tense final of The Traitors series two earlier this year, fans cannot wait for the return of the show, with series three expected in early 2024. In August 2024, BBC bosses also announced the show had been renewed for a fourth series, with filming set to begin in 2025.
Love Is Blind: UK
Following the successful first series of Love Is Blind: UK, with hosts Matt and Emma Willis, Netflix have now confirmed the series has been renewed for a second instalment! Applications are open now, with series two set to air in 2025.
Red Eye
ITV/STV crime drama Red Eye become one of the station's biggest shows in 2024, so it's no surprise it was commissioned for a second series. Filming is due to begin in 2025, but there's no word on any release date just yet.
After previously raining on our season two parade and revealing that he has no immediate plans for another series, Squid Game creator Hwang made fans very happy at the end of 2021, confirming the second series during an interview with AP Entertainment.
He said in November 2021: “So there’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season. So I almost feel like you leave us no choice! But I will say there will indeed be a second season. It’s in my head right now. I’m in the planning process currently. But I do think it’s too early to say when and how that’s going to happen. So I will promise you this…Gi-Hun will come back, and he will do something for the world.”
Hwang also gave us all a glimmer of hope as he confirmed that 'talks' were happening with Netflix.
Speaking to The Guardian at the time, the Squid Game show creator said: "Of course there is talk. That's inevitable because it's been such a success. I am considering it."
He then continued: "I have a very high-level picture in my mind, but I'm not going to work on it straight away," later adding: "There's a film I really want to make. I'm thinking about which to do first. I'm going to talk to Netflix."
As we could have all expected, Squid Game wasn't exactly a walk in the park to film, with Hwang discussing the 'draining' creative process, saying: "It was physically, mentally and emotionally draining. I kept having new ideas and revising the episodes as we were filming so the amount of work multiplied."
What is Squid Game?
Just in case - somehow - you have no idea what we are actually talking about, Squid Game, which was released on Netflix in mid-September 2021, is a South Korean drama which features a group of strangers who all find themselves in debt, risking their lives in an attempt to win a huge sum of money whilst playing a number of 'games'.
Of course, we aren't going to give away any spoilers, but the show quickly takes a shocking and violent twist throughout the nine-episode series, featuring actors Lee Jung-jae, HoYeon Jung, Wi Ha-joon and Park Hae Soo.
If we haven't yet sold you on Squid Game, Netflix's official synopsis reads: '456 desperate contestants compete with each other in a mysterious and deadly survival game involving multiple rounds of childhood games to win 45.6 billion won prize money that can pull them out of their misery.
'A mysterious invitation to join the game is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. 456 participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games in order to win 45.6 billion won. Every game is a Korean traditional children's game such as Red Light, Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. Who will be the winner, and what is the purpose behind this game?'
Whilst we wait for series two, series one of Squid Game is available to watch on Netflix now.
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