Squid Game: The Next Chapter

Netflix's billion-dollar hit Squid Game is back for its highly anticipated second season, with creator Hwang Dong-hyuk promising a dramatic shift in the storylines, as Gi-hun returns as a player to take down the deadly games from the inside.

The seventh season of Squid Game, comprising eight episodes was originally envisioned as a single story but was split due to the large number of episodes, Hwang explained in an interview. The season is set three years after the events of season one and delves into Gi-hun's transformation and its impact on his decision to refuse to return to his previous life. In an exciting turn of events, the season will also explore the origins of the competition, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the games. The new season will make its global debut on Netflix on December 26, 2024, with an exclusive global release. The season will be followed by its season finale, and a third season, scheduled for 2025, which will serve as the series' conclusion.

Beyond the episodic series, the Squid Game franchise has become a massive business empire under Netflix. The entertainment giant has launched various spin-offs, including an immersive institution called "Squid Game: The Experience," which recreates the competitive scenarios seen on the show in real-life environments. It has also produced a competition series, a video game, and an unscripted series. Consumer merchandise, brand partnerships, and other forms of content have also been produced to tap into the game's massive fan base. "We did over 100 games, researched territories, and finally narrowed it down to this lineup that functions worldwide," stated Josh Simon, VP of Consumer Products and Live Experiences.

As Hwang Dong-hyuk clocks in the final season of Squid Game, he is set to wrap up an incredible narrative that has captivated audiences worldwide. Having built an incredibly strong fanbase, one major question remains: will the ongoing pressure and stress from the entertainment world leave him eagerly awaiting a permanent bow out after September 2023?