Netflix has officially announced the highly anticipated release window for the third season of its groundbreaking hit series, Squid Game, confirming it will debut sometime in 2025. The announcement came shortly after the second season gained massive popularity, becoming the number one show on Netflix worldwide, cementing the show’s status as one of the platform’s most successful offerings.
The announcement was made alongside the release of the first promotional poster for Season 3, which features iconic elements such as the show’s signature dolls. The poster showcases the two new characters: Young-hee and Chul-su, effectively teasing what fans can expect to see when the show returns next year. Netflix shared the artwork on social media, stating, “Squid Game Season 3. Coming 2025.”
After the gripping and dramatic finale of Season 2, which aired on December 26, 2024, the anticipation for what’s next has reached fever pitch. The season concluded on quite the cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for answers about the fate of protagonist Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. The creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has hinted at the stakes being higher than ever for Gi-hun, who must overcome the devastating losses he faced by the end of Season 2.
Speaking to Variety, Hwang emphasized his awareness of fans' eagerness for new content, saying, “At this point, anything I might say is going to be a spoiler, so I want to be cautious. But what I can say is, after Season 2 launches, I believe we will be announcing the launch date for Season 3 soon.” This teases not only the upcoming season but also the show's continued exploration of intense moral dilemmas within its action-packed narrative.
Interestingly, Seasons 2 and 3 were filmed back-to-back, which has led to speculation about how quickly viewers might see new episodes, potentially as soon as Summer or Fall 2025. Hwang reinforced this during interviews, noting the back-to-back production would allow for faster post-production timelines. “I probably expect [Season 3] to launch around summer or fall next year,” he added, maintaining the excitement surrounding the series.
What differentiates Season 3 from the previous seasons, according to Hwang, is its deepening of Gi-hun's character following the loss of close allies throughout Season 2. The creators intend to take viewers on another emotional rollercoaster, showcasing Gi-hun at different crossroads. Hwang stated, “Gi-hun having lost everything... what is he going to be like? What state is Gi-hun going to be in?” This focus on character depth promises to add layers of complexity to the already intense competition within the game.
While many aspects are somewhat murky, there are conjectures about plot directions. Some fans speculate Squid Game might expand its universe beyond South Korea, introducing new cultural dimensions and stories mirroring the worldwide appeal of the original concept. Season 2 heavily hinted at narratives involving black markets and much darker themes, which many followers hope will continue to weave throughout Season 3.
Hwang Dong-hyuk has been clear about the series reaching its climax with Season 3 being its final run. Originally, he expressed doubts about creating multiple seasons. “Honestly, when I was first working on the first season, I didn’t have any plans or thoughts about there ever being [more than one] season,” Hwang revealed. The unexpected success and fan demand, particularly after Squid Game took the world by storm upon its season one release, prompted the creative team to expand the story.
Season 3 promises to be filled with action, intrigue, and, of course, the moral dilemmas the series has become infamous for. With the fate of Gi-hun and the remaining players unresolved, fans are left hungrily awaiting the new developments. Hwang also hinted at continuing the intense relationships and rivalries established so far, emphasizing, “When I was thinking about the idea for the ending of Season 3, I think it sort of naturally came to me... the fierce clash between two worlds will continue.”
Overall, the high stakes and compelling story arcs introduced throughout the series imply the upcoming season will not only build on what has come before but finish strong with the answers fans crave. Expect the unexpected, as creative elements continue to redefine Squid Game within pop culture.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Squid Game are currently available for streaming on Netflix, and as anticipation builds for Season 3, viewers can prepare for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this captivating saga.