Squid Game Universe Set To Expand? Creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk Teases Spin-Off Series Exploring Darker Layers
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted at a potential spin-off exploring untold stories of the recruiters, guards, and VIPs.
'Squid Game' is a global phenomenon that resonated with viewers through its powerful commentary on capitalism, morality and survival. After the record-breaking success of Season 1 and the emotionally charged finale of Season 2, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has now dropped a mysterious hint that has fans buzzing: a potential Squid Game spin-off.
At a press conference following the Season 2 release, Hwang teased, “There are stories left untold — about the recruiters, the guards, even the VIPs. We only saw one corner of a much larger room.”
This statement has sparked widespread speculation across the internet. Some fans believe the spin-off might explore the mysterious past of the Front Man, while others think it could reveal how the Squid Game operates in different countries. This theory gained traction after the final episode introduced a recruiter in Los Angeles, played by none other than Cate Blanchett.
Several compelling spin-off ideas are reportedly being discussed. One storyline could focus on the recruiter, portrayed by Gong Yoo, detailing how he was recruited, trained, and how players are selected. Another possibility is a closer look at the lives of the masked guards — their daily routines, internal struggles, and whether they are victims of the system themselves.
Platforms like Reddit and X are brimming with mixed reactions. While many fans are thrilled by the prospect of expanding the Squid Game universe, especially with such rich side characters, others are cautious. They worry that spin-offs may dilute the series’ emotional depth and turn it into a commercialised franchise. The original show’s brilliance, they argue, lies in its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes, and that must be preserved.
Addressing these concerns, Hwang Dong-hyuk recently confirmed his interest in further exploring the Squid Game world, but only if the stories remain meaningful. Speaking at a Seoul press conference on June 9, 2025, he said, “I am considering exploring spin-offs… I got curious myself — what were these characters up to during the years we didn’t see them?”
Just a week earlier, on June 2, at the Gotham Television Awards in New York, he told IndieWire: “If I make a spin-off, it will be a story happening between Season 1 and 2. There was a three-year gap, and I want to show what they did during those times.”
With Netflix reportedly backing the expansion and global curiosity at its peak, a Squid Game spin-off seems more likely than ever. As Hwang suggested, we’ve only seen a small part of a much larger and darker universe.
Meanwhile, 'Squid Game Season 3' is currently available on Netflix.
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