An almost non-existent promotional campaign, enthusiastic reviews and stratospheric audiences, Squid Game's journey on Netflix is not common. Initially a discreet production, launched with almost total indifference, Hwang Dong-hyuk's creation quickly became one of the most viewed series during this period. Over the weeks, the success grew until it reached the status of the most viewed production in all categories. If the screenwriter and director did not intend to continue the journey, the success convinced Netflix of the interest of such a project. Three seasons will thus be devoted to the journey of player 456, his quest to overthrow the organizers of the deadly games.
This is the December 26 that the platform will deliver this second batch. Three years after its debut, the series is expected to turn the corner. To ensure that the public will be there, Netflix is already starting the promotional tour. This Thursday, October 31, the teams went to Italy to hold a conference. In front of the public festival Lucca Comics & Gamesdirector and actors Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-jun spoke about what season 2 has in store for viewers. A golden opportunity to learn more about the approach of the architects of this success. It was mainly a question to evoke the future of the characters and the way in which this second season will renew the recipe.
The trailer for Squid Game Season 2 in French
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“Families” et “Refreshing”
In addition to a gripping basic premise – a deadly battle royal to recover an astronomical sum – the formula is based on aesthetics and mechanics which won over spectators from the first episodes. This new season will continue on the same momentum, plunging the hero Gi-hun into a new part. Rich, but determined to overthrow the organization that gave rise to this perverse competition, player 456 will face new adversaries and new challenges. The director explains that season 2 was designed as a fine mix between familiar universes and renewal.
“In season 2, you will see the character Gi-hun return to the island where the games take place. Because it's the same place, everything will seem familiar. The dormitories or the colorful stairs, on the other hand, we have added other elements. When you watch season 2, it will be familiar, but also very refreshing. The games, most of them, will be new. The scale is bigger, it will be more intriguing and above all with an even more beautiful backdrop”.
For the creator and his teams, an important part of the development undoubtedly consisted of creating new tests. This was the hallmark of the first vintage, the series must continue its momentum to continue to excite the crowds. The other challenge, surely the most difficult to overcome, is to avoid repetition and to touch on new themes. Like many productions confronting the idea of a deadly competition, it will have to find new things to say and find new ways to surprise the public. Hwang Dong-hyuk hopes that his reflection on our capitalist societies will be an opportunity for spectators to question our world. “It is the mirror of our world. I hope the public will ask questions. What kind of world do we live in? What will the future look like?”. These are all questions that he hopes to raise, without answering them through his narration.
The same success?
It now remains to be seen whether the audiences will live up to the expectations of the platform. A success in season 1 is no guarantee of similar enthusiasm for the new episodes. Other series before them have faced the harsh reality of a constantly changing audiovisual panorama and of public appeal that is difficult to maintain. This is all the more true since Netflix seems to be betting heavily on the universe, perhaps at the risk of losing its teeth.
After the game show, the platform plans to launch an English-speaking version of the series. David Fincher would be involved in the writing of this spin-off. Hwang Dong-hyuk, who did not elaborate on the subject, simply expressed his interest in such an idea. “I saw the Deadline article, I don't know if it's official but I can't say much about it. As a creator and director, I have a lot of admiration for Fincher. If he were to do such a project, as a fan, I would really look forward to seeing it. I think it could make a good spin-off. I'm curious to see what he could do from Squid Game. I'm eager to”. Spin-off or not, season 2 arrives on December 26 on Netflix and its audiences will be scrutinized by the press and analysts. As a reminder, season 3 is due out on our screens in 2025.
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