Looking through the landscape of media from the past few years, one can scarcely find a more culturally present offering than Netflix's Squid Game. Granted, Marvel and Star Wars properties probably have it beat, but it's still not too shabby for a newcomer series.
Since it's become so popular, a second season for the breakout Netflix show was all but guaranteed in the wake of its overwhelming explosion in popularity, though Squid Game fans might not be happy about the wait. But considering how dark and deadly the show is, revolving around a twisted series of children's games in a fight for survival, the real questions concerned who would even be able to return for a follow-up season. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk thankfully has some insight on that matter.
Speaking with Deadline, Hwang revealed 2 big names set to come back for season 2. "Gi-hun for sure," he said. "He will be back, and I believe the Front Man will back too." Of all the potential returning characters, these 2 are probably among the least surprising, given how they were both set up in season 1. But Hwang's acknowledgment is still good to hear, especially after how Squid Game season 1 ended.
Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, survived the killer gauntlet of games in season 1 of Squid Game, which sounds like all the prerequisites needed to warrant a return in season 2. As for Front Man, fans will recognize the name of the big bad played by Lee Byung-hun, albeit covered by a menacing black mask. It makes sense to bring back a hero and villain, but aside from Gi-hun, what about other possible reprisals?
Recently, Hwang also teased the possible return of HoYeon Jung, who played Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector who entered the games as a means to rescue her parents who were still trapped behind the border. But in an interesting twist, she would actually be playing Kang's evil twin sister. Might sound a bit wonky given the grim context of the show, but given the relationship between North and South Korea, perhaps it's not all that farfetched as a portrayal.
Squid Game has arguably made some significant strides in helping American audiences open up to the idea of more foreign, subtitled entertainment. Considering Squid Game's popularity here in the states, it seems to have reached a large audience even beyond the more niche viewership of mainstream anime series. So more of that sounds like a great idea. Here's hoping season 2 keeps up that adrenaline that's been drawing audiences in from day 1.
Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.
Source: Deadline