Squid Game spin-off series in development: Hwang Dong-hyuk hints at new stories after Season 3 finale
Now that Squid Game Season 3 has arrived and the final chapter is unfolding on Netflix, fans are turning their attention to what’s next—and it’s not the end. While the hit series is officially ending with Season 3, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that a Squid Game spin-off series is already in the works.
Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun in the 'Squid Game' season two finale.
No Ju-han/Netflix
Though the spin-off is still in its early stages, Hwang has shared intriguing details about where the story could go—and who it might follow.
“I’d like to maybe look into the lives of those behind the mask,” he told Metro at the London premiere, referencing the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), the Recruiter (Gong Yoo), and Captain Park (Oh Dal-su). “How did they meet? What did they do during the three years after Gi-hun won?”
These three enigmatic characters have been key players in the dystopian world of Squid Game, and a deeper look into their past could offer answers fans have long craved.
What Could the Squid Game Spin-Off Explore?
• The Front Man's Origins: A former police officer turned game master, his transformation is still shrouded in mystery. The spin-off could explore how he was recruited and rose to power.
• The Recruiter's Backstory: Played by Gong Yoo, the briefcase-carrying recruiter has become iconic. What led him to become the face of manipulation in the Squid Game universe?
• Captain Park’s Double Life: Introduced in Season 2, the sea captain and double agent has a complex role. How did he become a trusted operative of the Front Man?
• A Look Between Seasons 1 & 2: Hwang specifically mentioned the three-year gap between Gi-hun winning the game and his return. This timeline could serve as the perfect setting for a tense, character-driven prequel.
Cast Members On Board
Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, has publicly expressed his excitement about returning to the franchise.
“If there is a spin-off, or maybe a sequel or prequel, I’m sure people would love it,” he told Metro. “And if there is one, I would love to join the universe once again.”
With the main series concluding, Netflix seems eager to extend the success of one of its biggest original properties. The planned Squid Game reality series (Squid Game: The Challenge) has also proven the franchise’s global staying power.
When Could the Spin-Off Release?
While no official release date has been announced, Hwang confirmed the concept is something he’s “seriously thinking about” post-Season 3. Given the scale and global popularity of the franchise, a spin-off could enter production sooner than expected.
Why the Spin-Off Matters
Squid Game isn’t just a survival thriller—it’s a social commentary on class, power, and human desperation. By expanding its world through a spin-off, Hwang Dong-hyuk has the opportunity to further explore the people behind the cruelty—and perhaps even reveal cracks in their system.
For viewers mourning the end of the main series, this spin-off could offer a fresh perspective and reignite the intensity of the original.
