‘Squid Game’ Creator Says Season 2 Has Him ‘Losing Quite a Lot of Sleep’

Squid Game exploded in popularity after hitting Netflix in September of 2021. Following 456 players competing in deadly childhood games for the chance of winning a huge payout, the show surpassed the mega-hit Bridgerton to become its most-watched show ever. It also collected a trove of awards for its disturbingly good plot and fantastic cast. After such success, show creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk admits he’s feeling the pressure to deliver Squid Game Season 2.

Hwang Dong-hyuk discussed the making of ‘Squid Game’ Season 2

Hwang talked to GoldDerby about making another season of the show, which he’s reportedly working on now from his South Korea home.

“I’ve been losing quite a lot of sleep,” he told the website. “It is quite daunting to be honest, especially because I killed off most of the beloved characters from season 1.”

But at the same time, Hwang is interested in bringing in new characters for another round of games.

“I want to bring in new characters that people will be able to truly relate to and really root for,” he continued. “I’m only at the very beginning stage of conceiving season 2, so all I will say is that it is quite challenging, especially because there’s a lot of high hopes for the second season. I am going to do my very best to not let you down!”

‘Squid Game’ Season 1 crowned Seong Gi-hun as its winner

The show’s first season revolved around Seong Gi-hun, a gambler hoping to win the competition to resolve his debts and better support his daughter. In the end, he did after beating his friend Cho Sang-Woo. But Gi-hun was too depressed by all the death and trauma of the games to spend the money.

After a year, he decided to use his winnings to help the families of his friends who had died in the games and to see his daughter. He was boarding the plane when he suddenly had a change of heart and turned back, seemingly intent on getting revenge against the Squid Game organizers.

Though it’s too early to tell what happens next, Hwang knows he wants Gi-hun back.

“It’s in my head right now,” he told The Associated Press. “I’m in the planning process currently. But I do think it’s too early to say when and how that’s going to happen. So I will promise you this…Gi-Hun will come back, and he will do something for the world.”

When will the show return?

Unfortunately, it looks like there’s going to be a long wait for the show’s return. In a Variety interview published in April, Hwang said he anticipates a 2024 release date for Squid Game Season 2.

In addition to that, he pointed out that he also has a “controversial film” in the works, with the working title K.O. Club.

“It will be more violent than ‘Squid Game,’” he said. However, exact details were not shared.