Hwang Dong-hyuk’s “Squid Game” is gearing up for its third and final season, promising even more intense, gut-wrenching action — but that might not be the end of the road for the franchise. The show’s creator already has spin-off ideas in the works that could expand the Squid Game universe in new and fascinating ways.
Season 2 left fans reeling, with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) facing off against even more twisted game rounds and navigating a dangerous web of betrayal. That cliffhanger? Brutal. But Hwang’s vision doesn’t stop at one last chapter.
Let’s take a look at where the story could go next — and why it still matters.
Hwang Dong-hyuk Has Spin-Off Ideas That Fill In the Blanks
Despite the commercial messiness surrounding the brand, Hwang remains focused on telling meaningful stories within this world. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he opened up about what a spin-off might look like:
“…I’m thinking more along the lines of a spinoff. One of the ideas I’m tossing around is what happened between seasons 1 and 2. There’s a three-year gap. So, for example, what was the Front Man doing during those three years? What was the Recruiter doing? When I have some downtime, I like to just toss some ideas around and go wild with my imagination. So I guess we can be open to anything.”
The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and the Recruiter (Gong Yoo) have always lingered in the background, mysterious and compelling, with deeper motives.
There’s real potential in exploring who they are outside the shadows of the arena. Hwang’s not interested in a quick cash-grab — he wants the spin-off to mean something.
Squid Game Season 3: Gi-hun’s Fate and What Comes Next
At its core, Squid Game is Gi-hun’s story — a man consumed by grief, guilt, and the need to end the games that cost so many their lives. Hwang has said from the beginning that his goal was to examine Gi-hun’s desperation to stop the games, a mission that now defines him:
“Gi-hun’s desperation to stop the games” spirals into an obsession that comes at the cost of self-preservation/personal happiness.”
Season 2 is locked in the emotional weight of that mission, and season 3 is set to be the final reckoning. Whatever happens to Gi-hun, we already know the cost will be high.
And still, Hwang hints at a broader future for the Squid Game universe. He’s particularly drawn to the masked guards — those silent enforcers whose own motivations and backstories have yet to be explored.
“Squid Game” hit harder than anyone expected, thanks to its raw critique of capitalism, emotional storytelling, and pulse-pounding suspense. A character-driven survival series that digs into systemic cruelty — it’s no wonder the world couldn’t stop watching.
Whether or not we ever see that spin-off, let’s hope Squid Game stays true to what made it powerful: a story with something real to say.
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‘Squid Game’ Creator Teases Perfect Spin-Off Idea Fans Will Love