The wait is finally over: Netflix has officially released the trailer for Squid Game Season 3, and it confirms what fans have long suspected—this will be the final chapter of the global phenomenon. Scheduled to premiere on June 27, 2025, the last season promises a high-stakes conclusion to one of the most intense and socially resonant series of the streaming era.
A Look Back: Where We Left Off
Season 2 ended in chaos. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who narrowly escaped death in the first game, returned with a vengeance, attempting to dismantle the system from within. His failed rebellion cost him dearly—his friend Jung-bae was killed by the mysterious Front Man, who was shockingly revealed to be In-ho, his long-lost brother and a former winner turned overseer of the deadly games.
This betrayal reset the stage for the final season, with Gi-hun now fully committed to taking down the twisted organization behind the games, even if it costs him everything.
What the Trailer Reveals
The Season 3 trailer debuted at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event and quickly set social media on fire. We see a more hardened, focused Gi-hun as he confronts both his past failures and the system that created them. The footage teases a host of deadly new games—none more haunting than a violent twist on childhood jump rope, turning innocent fun into a blood-soaked battle of survival.
There’s a heightened sense of finality, with the visuals darker, the music more somber, and the stakes higher than ever before. It’s clear this is not just about survival anymore—it’s a reckoning.
A Terrifying New Face: Meet Chul-su
One of the trailer’s most chilling reveals is the introduction of Chul-su, a towering male doll that serves as a counterpart to Young-hee, the robotic killer from Season 1’s iconic “Red Light, Green Light” game. While details are scarce, Chul-su’s ominous presence suggests a return to psychological terror, ramping up the tension for both players and viewers alike.
This addition deepens the show’s haunting mythology, reinforcing the idea that these games are evolving—and becoming even more grotesque.
What We Know About Season 3’s Themes
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted that this season will dig deeper into the mechanics of power, control, and economic disparity. While Season 1 served as a parable for capitalism and desperation, and Season 2 examined the cost of resistance and betrayal, Season 3 appears poised to explore justice, vengeance, and the ripple effects of violence.
Expect more from the mysterious VIPs as well, who have remained puppet masters in the background. Their identities and motives could finally be unmasked, adding another layer to the series’ exploration of moral rot at the top of society.
Final Season, Global Expectations
With Squid Game becoming Netflix’s most-watched show of all time after Season 1, the stakes for the final chapter are immense. Lee Jung-jae’s return—fresh off global acclaim and his entry into Hollywood via The Acolyte—ensures star power, while creator Hwang’s signature blend of emotional depth and genre thrills remains at the forefront.
It’s also worth noting that Squid Game: The Challenge, the reality competition spin-off, helped keep the brand in the spotlight between seasons. That show’s success reaffirmed global interest in the Squid Game universe, raising anticipation for this final narrative installment.
Season 3 of Squid Game hits Netflix on June 27, 2025. For fans, it’s more than just a finale—it’s the culmination of a harrowing journey through human nature, social commentary, and cinematic innovation. And if the trailer is any indication, it’s going to end with a bang.
Squid Game: Season 3 – Everything We Know
Squid Game Season 3 is set to be the final season of the hit Netflix series, and it’s coming out very soon! Here’s everything we know so far:
Release Date:
- Squid Game Season 3 will premiere on Friday, June 27, 2025, on Netflix.
Plot & Storylines:
- Continuation of Gi-hun’s Journey: The season will pick up directly after the bloody cliffhanger of Season 2, with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) at his lowest point after his failed rebellion and the death of his friend Jung-bae. The creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, stated that the series is ultimately Gi-hun’s journey, and Season 3 will show what he chooses to do next – whether he persists in his mission to end the games or gives up. He will be at a “critical crossroads.”
- The Front Man and VIPs: In-ho, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), will continue his role, welcoming the mysterious VIPs back to the games.
- Jun-ho’s Pursuit: Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) will continue his search for the elusive island and his brother, the Front Man, unaware of a potential traitor among those assisting him. Wi Ha-jun has hinted at an emotional reunion between the brothers.
- New Games: The trailer and teasers have revealed some details about new games:
- A “gumball machine” game where players choose red or blue balls, seemingly dividing them into teams. This could lead to a “hunter vs. prey” or a “key vs. knife” scenario within a maze.
- One of the games might involve “Red Light, Green Light” with two animatronic dolls.
- There are theories of a “Trolley Problem” style game, a Korean chess game (Janggi), or games involving monkey bars, hinted at by drawings on the dormitory walls. However, the director has said that the Season 2 wall drawings aren’t direct hints for Season 3 games.
- Character Dynamics & Consequences: The surviving players’ choices will lead to graver consequences with each round. The season is expected to be “very brutal, cruel, emotional, and depressing.”
- Potential Betrayals and Sacrifices: There are hints of continued betrayals and tragic ends for some characters. The relationship between Myung-gi (Player 333) and Jun-hee (Player 222), who was pregnant in Season 2, will be explored, with a crying baby sound at the end of the trailer suggesting Jun-hee may give birth during the games, potentially influencing No-eul’s (Guard 011) actions. There’s also a theory that Player 246 (Park Gyeong-seok) might not be dead and could return as an ally to stop the games.
- Ideological Conflict: The mental and ideological fight between Gi-hun and the Front Man will intensify, as each tries to prove the other wrong.
Cast: The confirmed returning and new cast members include:
- Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)
- Lee Byung-hun as Hwang In-ho / The Front Man
- Wi Ha-jun as Hwang Jun-ho
- Yim Si-wan as Lee Myung-gi (Player 333)
- Kang Ha-neul as Kang Dae-ho (Player 388)
- Park Gyu-young as Kang No-eul (Guard 011)
- Park Sung-hoon as Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)
- Yang Dong-geun as Park Yong-sik (Player 007)
- Kang Ae-sim as Jang Geum-ja (Player 149)
- Jo Yu-ri as Kim Jun-hee (Player 222)
- Lee David as Min-su (Player 125)
- Roh Jae-won as Nam-gyu
- Jun Suk-ho
- Chae Kuk-hee as Seon-Nyeo (Player 044)
- Park Hee-soon (special appearance)
Other Details:
- Season 3 will have 6 episodes.
- The creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, previously stated that he envisioned Seasons 2 and 3 as a single story but split them due to length, with Season 2 covering the first seven episodes and Season 3 completing the narrative.
- The VIPs are confirmed to return.
- There will be backstories for important characters.
- The director himself will make a cameo.
- Some actors have teased emotional and brutal scenes, with many characters expected to die, leaving very few survivors by the end.
Squid Game Season 2 Recap
Squid Game Season 2 has made quite a splash on Rotten Tomatoes, capturing the attention of critics and audiences alike. The follow-up to the global phenomenon currently holds an impressive 84% score from critics based on 57 reviews. This thrilling second season builds upon the original while introducing new surprises that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Fan reactions have been slightly more mixed, with audience scores hovering around 63% according to the latest data. Many reviews point out that Season 2 leaves several storylines unresolved, primarily setting up the already-announced third and final season. Despite this, critics agree that the second installment maintains the twisted and ruthless nature that made the original so compelling.
The new season continues the high-stakes competition where cash-strapped contestants participate in deadly children’s games for a tempting prize. While some viewers may find certain plot threads left hanging, the consensus suggests that fans of the first season will find plenty to appreciate in this continuation of the intense survival drama.
Squid Game Season 2 picks up four years after Seong Gi-hun won the deadly games, deeply affected by the experience and determined to put an end to the organization behind them. Instead of going to the United States, he returns to Korea with a new mission.
Here’s a recap of the main plot points:
- Gi-hun’s Crusade: Gi-hun, still haunted by the past, dedicates himself to tracking down the people running the games. He lives frugally and enlists his former loan shark, Mr. Kim, and his associates to help him locate the recruiter who initially brought him into the game.
- Jun-ho’s Survival and Investigation: Detective Hwang Jun-ho, who seemingly died at the end of Season 1 after being shot by his brother (the Front Man), is revealed to have survived. He was rescued by a shrimp boat captain named Park and continues his personal mission to find the island where the games are held.
- Confrontation with the Recruiter: Gi-hun and his team eventually locate the recruiter in Seoul. A deadly game of “rock-paper-scissors” combined with Russian roulette ensues, leading to Mr. Kim’s death. The recruiter then confronts Gi-hun, revealing his own past as a soldier in the games and a player who killed his father, before ultimately killing himself in another round of Russian roulette.
- Infiltrating the Games: Following a lead from the recruiter’s jacket, Gi-hun, Jun-ho, and Woo-seok (another associate) devise a plan to infiltrate the games by attending a Halloween party. Gi-hun plants a tracker on himself, and Jun-ho keeps his true identity as the Front Man’s brother a secret. Gi-hun, now being watched, eventually requests to re-enter the games as a player, hoping to dismantle them from the inside.
- New Players and New Rules: Gi-hun wakes in the games’ dormitory with 455 new players, including Kang No-eul, a North Korean defector who joins as a soldier. A significant new rule is introduced: after each game, players can vote to end the games, with the prize money distributed if a majority agrees.
- The Games Begin Again: The first game is “Red Light, Green Light.” Gi-hun tries to expose the games’ cruelty, and while many initially disregard him, his warnings do help minimize casualties. New characters are introduced, including a drugged rapper called “Thanos” and a transgender woman named Hyun-ju.
- Jun-ho’s Search Continues: Jun-ho and his team lose track of the island after Gi-hun’s tracker is removed, continuing their efforts to locate it from the outside. A surprising twist reveals that Captain Park, who rescued Jun-ho, is actually working for the game organizers.
- Gi-hun’s Failed Rebellion and Cliffhanger: As the games progress, Gi-hun attempts to lead a rebellion from within, planning to overpower guards and reach the control room. However, his efforts are ultimately thwarted due to betrayals and unforeseen circumstances. In a devastating blow, his friend Jung-bae is executed by the Front Man directly in front of him. The season ends on a cliffhanger, with Gi-hun in despair, his plans in shambles, and the games continuing, setting the stage for a potential Season 3.
Season 2 goes deeper into the motivations of the characters, particularly Gi-hun’s drive to stop the games and Jun-ho’s pursuit of his brother. While it maintains the high stakes and brutal games of the first season, it also focuses more on the overarching plot and the characters’ internal struggles.
Key Takeaways
- Squid Game Season 2 has received positive critical reception with an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes while audience reviews are more divided at 63%.
- The second season maintains the intense survival drama elements while introducing new surprises and building toward the confirmed third season.
- Critics praise the continuation for its thrilling narrative but note that many storylines remain unresolved, serving primarily as setup for the upcoming conclusion.
Season 2 Overview and Reception
Squid Game Season 2 has received mixed reviews since its release, with critics generally offering more favorable opinions than general audiences. The sophomore season expands on the world established in the first season while introducing new elements and characters.
Critical Reception and Audience Score
The second season of Squid Game has created a notable divide between critics and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have responded positively, giving the season an 88% approval rating. They praise the show for building upon the foundation of the first season while introducing fresh surprises and maintaining its thrilling nature.
In contrast, audiences have been more critical, with only a 59% approval score. Many viewers feel the second season doesn’t match the quality of its predecessor. Common complaints include predictability, repetitiveness, and the presence of plot holes.
Director Hwang Dong-Hyuk’s vision for the second installment is described as “bloodier” and “more expansive” than the original, though some reviews note this approach has yielded mixed results.
Synopsis and New Developments
Season 2 continues the story with Lee Jung-Jae returning as the lead character. The new season maintains the deadly stakes of the original competition, where cash-strapped contestants participate in children’s games with fatal consequences for losers.
The sophomore season introduces new games and characters while expanding the dystopian world established in the first season. However, many reviews point out that Season 2 leaves several storylines unresolved, functioning primarily as setup for the already-announced third season.
The season is described as “just as twisted and ruthless” as its predecessor, maintaining the show’s signature tension and horror elements. Despite being similar in structure to Season 1, the new installment features:
- Increased violence and bloodier scenarios
- A more expansive look at the world behind the games
- New characters and relationship dynamics
Cast and Characters
The second season of Squid Game brings back familiar faces while introducing compelling new characters to the deadly competition. The ensemble delivers powerful performances that drive the emotional stakes of the series higher.
Returning Cast Insights
Lee Jung-jae returns as Seong Gi-hun, the season one winner who decided to re-enter the games. His performance continues to resonate with viewers and critics alike. After winning an Emmy for his work in season one, Lee brings even more emotional depth to his character.
Lee Byung-hun reprises his role as the mysterious Front Man, the masked figure who oversees the brutal games. This season provides more backstory for his character, revealing the complex motivations behind his involvement in the deadly competition.
Wi Ha-joon also returns, though his role has evolved significantly from the first season. His character’s journey continues to intertwine with the main storyline in unexpected ways.
New Additions to the Ensemble
Im Si-wan joins the cast as Lee Myeong-gi, a new contestant who brings a different dynamic to the games. His performance has been praised for its intensity and emotional range.
Kang Ha-neul portrays Kang Dae-ho, another new player whose mysterious past becomes central to several plot developments. His character quickly establishes himself as a significant presence in the second season.
The expanded cast also includes Jo Yo-ri, Yang Dong-geun, and Kang Ae-sim, who bring diverse personalities to the competition. Each new character introduces unique motivations and moral complexities that enrich the storytelling.
The new contestants create fresh dynamics and alliances that test Gi-hun’s resolve and strategy throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viewers have many questions about Squid Game Season 2 following its release. The new season has generated buzz for its plot developments, cast additions, and comparison to the original hit season.
What is the release date for Squid Game Season 2?
Squid Game Season 2 was released in December 2024 on Netflix. The second season came more than three years after the first season debuted in September 2021.
The global release allowed fans worldwide to stream all episodes simultaneously.
Who joins the cast in the second season of Squid Game?
Season 2 welcomes several new cast members while bringing back key survivors from the first season. Lee Jung-jae returns as Seong Gi-hun, now sporting red hair as teased at the end of Season 1.
New faces include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, and Park Gyu-young as contestants. The Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun, returns with an expanded role in the second season.
How does Squid Game Season 2 compare to the first season according to reviews?
Critics and fans have mixed opinions about Season 2. Many reviewers note that while the second season maintains the high production quality of the original, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights.
According to search results, viewers appreciate the “top notch” acting, direction, set design, and writing. However, some criticize the season for being predictable and repetitive with plot holes.
A common complaint is that Season 2 features less of the actual games compared to Season 1. Many reviews also point out that storylines remain unresolved, as the season primarily sets up the concluding Season 3.
Has Squid Game Season 2 released a new trailer, and where can it be viewed?
Netflix released the official trailer for Squid Game Season 2 about a month before the season premiere. The trailer can be viewed on Netflix’s official YouTube channel and social media platforms.
The trailer gives glimpses of new games while showing Gi-hun’s return to the competition with his mission to end the games once and for all.
What ratings has Squid Game Season 2 received on Rotten Tomatoes?
Squid Game Season 2 has divided fans on Rotten Tomatoes. The season currently holds a mixed critical reception, with some individual reviews giving it high marks like 4.5/5.
The season hasn’t matched the near-universal acclaim of Season 1, which maintained exceptionally high ratings on the platform. Reviews specifically mention the season is “still awesome” but “not as awesome as season 1.”
Are the critiques for Squid Game Season 2 on Rotten Tomatoes consistent with those on Metacritic and IMDb?
The divided reception on Rotten Tomatoes is generally consistent with ratings on other platforms like Metacritic and IMDb. Across all platforms, viewers and critics acknowledge the high production value but question some storytelling choices.
Common themes in critiques across platforms include the season being “bloodier” and “more expansive” while feeling somewhat repetitive. Many reviews across all platforms also note that Season 2 seems to function largely as setup for the already-announced final season.
