Netflix announces release date for Season 2 of 'Squid Game': Everything you need to know

After a wait of almost three years, Netflix has finally announced a release date for its South Korean horror series "Squid Game. " The streamer also announced that Season 3 of the series will be its last.

A dark, social satire, "Squid Game," which follows desperately impoverished people compete in children's games with deadly stakes for the chance to win a life-changing cash prize, became an online craze, sparking memes and fan theories, when it first debuted in September 2021. It also landed the No. 1 spot on Netflix in 70 countries, including the U.S., according to the streamer, and has been one of Netflix's most successful releases.

Set three years after the events of Season 1, the new season will follow Player 456 as they try to find the people behind the game and "put an end to their vicious sport,” says Season 2's official synopsis .

“Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway," the synopsis says. "But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.”

'Squid Game': Why everyone is obsessed with Netflix's brutal South Korean horror series

Series director, writer, and executive producer Hwang Dong-hyuk, in a letter to "Squid Game" fans promised that the creators will do their best "to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride."

"I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story," Hwang wrote in the letter. "We’ll do our best to make sure we bring you yet another thrill ride. I hope you’re excited for what’s to come."

Here's what to know about Season 2 of "Squid Game" including release date, cast and trailer.

When does 'Squid Game' Season 2 premiere?

Season 2 of "Squid Game" is scheduled to release on Netflix on Thursday, December 26. Netflix has not yet announced the release plans for the new season and has not indicated if the season will be dropping in two parts, like it has done with most of its shows including " Bridgerton ," "Emily in Paris" and " Cobra Kai. "

How many episodes are in 'Squid Game' Season 2?

Netflix did not specify how many episodes Season 2 of "Squid Game" will have. The first season had nine episodes.

'Squid Game' Season 2 cast

Season 2 of "Squid Game" will features a mix of new and familiar faces, including:

• Lee Jung-jae
• Lee Byung-hun
• Gong Yoo
• Wi Ha-jun
• Yim Si-wan
• Kang Ha-neul
• Park Gyu-young
• Park Sung-hoon
• Jo Yu-ri
• Yang Dong-geun
• Kang Ae-sim
• Lee David
• Lee Jin-uk
• Choi Seung-hyun
• Roh Jae-won
• Won Ji-an

'Squid Game' Season 2 trailer

While Netflix has not yet released a trailer for Season 2 of "Squid Game," they dropped a date announcement video on July 31.

'Squid Game' Season 3

Netflix has already announced plans for the third and final season of "Squid Game." Season 3 of the series will drop in 2025 and will continue to focus on Seong Gi-hun's revenge from the creators of Squid Game. The director also hinted that Front Man will be a worthy opponent going forward.

"The fierce clash between their two worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year," Hwang wrote in his letter.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netflix announces release date for Season 2 of 'Squid Game': Everything you need to know