Is Squid Game Season 3 Hinting at a Prequel Storyline?

This article contains spoilers from the Season 3 Preview of Squid Game.

Overview

  • The concluding season of Squid Game delves into the aftermath of an unsuccessful rebellion, as players face off in a dramatic final competition.
  • The Season 3 preview teases evolving character arcs and indicates potential developments in the franchise’s broader narrative.
  • Given the intricate backgrounds of several supporting characters, there are hints that a prequel might be on the horizon.

The eagerly awaited third season of Squid Game received a preview on May 6, giving fans a tantalizing look at the series finale. Season 3 aims to unpack the implications of Gi-hun’s thwarted rebellion while laying out the intensity of the final face-off among the remaining players.

With only six episodes slated for the concluding season, many supporting characters remain rich with untold stories, raising questions about the potential for a prequel. Could the upcoming season set the stage for future narratives?

Season 3’s Preview: What Lies Ahead

Return of Iconic Characters

Nam Gyu in Season 3
Min Su in Season 3
Geum Ja in Season 3
Gi-hun in Season 3
Hyun Ju in Season 3

The Season 3 preview shines a light on the surviving characters from Season 2, including Gi-hun, Jun-ho, Jun-hee, Myung-gi, Dae-ho, Hyun-ju, and Geum-ja. In this new iteration of the game, players must draw random plastic balls from a machine, indicating a split into two competing teams. Echoes of past challenges resurface, forcing Gi-hun to confront the lingering traumas from his former experiences.

Interestingly, brief glimpses suggest profound character developments. For instance, the Front Man is shown with what appear to be tears, hinting at potential emotional turmoil involving his brother Jun-ho, while Jun-hee seems on the verge of a personal milestone, indicated by the sounds of a baby. These moments add layers to the unfolding drama and potentially forecast future narratives for the Squid Game franchise.

Laying the Groundwork for a Prequel?

The Future of the Franchise

Hwang In-ho (the Front Man) watching his games.

While Season 3 will dedicate substantial screen time to some supporting characters, it may also serve as a springboard for an upcoming prequel. Hwang In-ho, aka the Front Man, holds a wealth of untapped backstory—including his complicated family dynamics with his brother Jun-ho and his tragic past—aspects that could be challenging to further develop within the limited six-episode format. Additionally, his past as a police officer and his experiences during the original Squid Game in 2015 remain largely unexplored.

Have you seen The Matrix? They could’ve lived in peace if they took the blue pill. But they still chose the red pill to play the heroes. Do you also think you’re a hero who can change the world? — The Front Man

The concise nature of Season 3 suggests it may be impossible to completely unfold all these narratives, leaving the door open for a potential prequel. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has expressed interest in expanding the universe, hinting at stories surrounding In-ho or even delving into the origins of the initial Squid Game.

Exploring Prequel Possibilities

The Likelihood of a Prequel

Squid Game contestants and guards
Image Courtesy of Netflix

While the unveiling of new content related to Squid Game remains uncertain, there is a glimmer of hope for a prequel or spinoff. In a recent interview, Hwang Dong-hyuk indicated the possibility of returning to the Squid Game narrative after Season 3 concludes, mentioning the potential for exploring different character arcs and storylines—perhaps focusing on the lives of the masked guards and their unique experiences.

This suggests a promising outlook for fans eager for more content, although any additional material may still be some time away. Hwang’s interest in sustaining the franchise indicates that while the series may wrap up, further explorations of its universe could be in the cards.

If I ever wanted to go back to the world of Squid Game, it would be about different characters with a different story arc. —Hwang Dong-hyuk

While no confirmed prequel or spinoff exists as of now, fans can eagerly anticipate Season 3’s premiere on June 27, 2025, featuring a total of six thrilling episodes. The preview suggests an exhilarating conclusion filled with suspense, unexpected betrayals, and dramatic plot twists. The journey within the Squid Game universe is far from over, promising more heart-pounding excitement ahead.

For those who want to experience Squid Game, it is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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