Netflix has unveiled a dramatic new image from the upcoming Season 3 of Squid Game, featuring the protagonist, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), handcuffed to a dormitory bed within the ominous game facility. This first glimpse of the concluding season suggests significant alterations to the series' power dynamics, with Gi-hun now fully at the mercy of the organization he desperately sought to dismantle. It hints at the series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's vision for closing the storyline established during Season 2.
This image reveals the immediate aftermath of Season 2’s failed revolution, where Gi-hun’s attempt to overthrow the games ended tragically following the brutal execution of his friend, Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan), at the hands of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). Rather than eliminate Gi-hun, the games’ organizers have opted for containment, planning to break his spirit and prove the twisted moral justification for their actions. With Gi-hun alive for Season 3, viewers can expect him to witness yet another round of the cruel competition, potentially signaling even more deaths among the contenders.
Hwang has previously indicated his intention to treat the final two seasons as one extended narrative, though the story grew too complex for the initial ten-episode plan, leading to the decision to split it across two eight-episode parts. This narrative structure positions the upcoming episodes to explore Gi-hun’s challenging circumstances now revealed through the first look.
Despite the ominous predictions surrounding Gi-hun's fate, Season 3 is not the end of the Squid Game franchise. Hwang has teased potential spinoff stories within this darkly fascinating universe. "I’m open to exploring new characters and storylines, but only if the ideas develop naturally rather than being forced," Hwang noted. Netflix is eager to prolong the franchise’s legacy either with or without Hwang’s direct involvement, as seen with efforts to produce both an American adaptation spearheaded by David Fincher and another season of Squid Game: The Challenge.
The staggering success of the original series speaks volumes; Season 1 shattered records with 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first month, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series ever. Season 2 continued this momentum, collecting 68 million views within just four days of its launch. Further, the series has garnered a plethora of awards, including six Emmy Awards for its first season, along with recognition for Lee Jung-jae's performance.
The shocking death of Thanos, portrayed by Choi Seung-hyun, adds another layer of intrigue to Season 2, causing ripples of disbelief among fans. Introduced as a fan-favorite with his captivating style and humor, Thanos had survived several intense rounds, only to meet his demise unexpectedly during the series’ penultimate episode, intensifying the stakes as viewers look to the future.
Reacting to his character's death, Choi told Netflix's Tudum, "Thanos is someone who is under the influence of drugs. He’s a dangerous character. So when I first read how he dies in the script, I honestly thought it was about time. I thought his death was quite timely, and I also thought he deserved to die." His sentiments reflect not just acceptance of the character arc but also the overarching themes of moral consequences within the brutal structure of the games.
Choi also expressed gratitude for the way Thanos’ unexpected death was executed within the narrative. He believed the timing of this turn of events was impactful, leading to heightened anticipation as fans speculate about future developments. "It was random, which made it more impactful," he said.
This unexpected character death raises the stakes for all remaining characters, cementing the fact no one is safe within the cutthroat world of Squid Game. Hwang and the cast have hinted at even darker themes and storylines to come, making it clear viewers should prepare for intensified drama as the road to Gi-hun’s final confrontation with the Front Man culminates.
Adding to the discussion surrounding character fates, the passing of actress Lee Joo-Sil, who portrayed Park Mal Soon, leaves uncertainty about her character’s presence moving forward. Known for her role as the mother of pivotal characters Hwang Jun-Ho and Hwang In-Ho, her absence from the confirmed cast list raises questions. Lee passed away at the age of 81 after battling cancer, leading to concerns about the impact her character’s story might have, if any, on Season 3.
Nevertheless, the upcoming season promises substantial evolution as Gi-hun finds himself fueled by the betrayal of trusted allies and the ghosts of lost friends. Determined to survive, his battle against the ruthless competition seems destined to conclude with as much shock as it began.
Fans can look forward to the premiere on June 27, 2025, marking another chapter in the eerie, thrilling saga of Squid Game as it delves deep once more under the twisted rules of survival.