The Four Proposed Or Potential ‘Squid Game' Spinoffs On Netflix
While Squid Game is over on Netflix after the release of season 3, there is a very real possibility that no, it's not over at all.
Nothing is official at this point, but there are an increasing number of ideas or proposed ideas or rumors about how Netflix will continue the series from here, something it no doubt wants to do with the first season still holding its all-time viewership record and season 3 breaking other records with its release.
By my count, there are at least four different Squid Game spin-offs that could potentially manifest in the coming years, albeit one seems closer than others. We'll start with the most detailed.
Squid Game
1) Hwang Dong-hyuk, the original Squid Game creator and master of the current three seasons, went into detail with EW about a potential spin-off he had in mind, which would actually serve as a prequel:
"I actually had this faint ideation about possibly a spinoff — not a sequel, but maybe a spinoff about the three-year gap between season 1 and season 2 when Gi-hun [Lee Jung-jae] looks around for the recruiters," Hwang said. "There is that three-year period, and maybe I could have a portrayal of what the recruiters or Captain Park [Oh Dal-su] or officers or masked men were doing in that period, not inside the gaming arena, but their life outside of that. So that is some vague ideation that I have that could possibly be developed in the future."
That would be a somewhat out-there idea as it would be a Squid Game show without an actual game, presumably, given its timeline. But if Hwang has an idea, Netflix is likely to try to cultivate that.
Squid Game
2) This one's short, but in the same interview, while Hwang has expressed exhaustion about working on the series (including a number of stories that involve him losing teeth due to stress), he says that he is 'not trying to say that I'm going to close the door to spinoffs or sequels altogether because they say never say never." Spinoffs or sequels, presumably, could be more than just his above proposal, especially a sequel that would take place after the events of the last game.
3) Squid Game America has been this nebulous concept for a while now, a spinoff of the series, not a remake, with David Fincher's name being attached for several years now. The conversation has been resparked by the finale of Squid Game season 3, which showed Cate Blanchett as an American recruiter, and while Hwang says it wasn't directly meant to lead into an American version, rumors have now started swirling at this Fincher version may be spinning up after all, though nothing official from Netflix.
Squid Game
4) The Front Man, played by Lee Byung-hun, recently commented about the idea of a spinoff for his character in an interview with THR:
'Director Hwang and I have been joking about a Front Man spin-off since the beginning. We both thought that the Front Man or the recruiter could be interesting for more story, because we haven't really explored these characters in their entirety yet. Their backstory is still vague, and their character is still a little murky. To look at the Front Man with a full character study would be a very fun thing to do. So, as for your question — of course I'd be willing to star in it. The character has already been built and designed, and I'm very compelled by him. Just as the fans are curious to know more about him, I am too. That's a story I'd be very willing to tell.'
The concept of a Front Man story would leave a lot of options open. We now know he was a competitor and winner of a previous game, so there could be a prequel there. There could be a focus on him during Hwang's 'interim' show. And he is one of the few characters who survives the season 3 finale, so he could return for a sequel show or season. Lots of choices, should any manifest.
Do you want to see more Squid Game? Lord knows Netflix does.
Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.
Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Latest 'Tiger King' twist finds 'Doc' Antle facing possible prison sentence for animal trafficking
Five years after the true crime documentary 'Tiger King' captivated a country shut down by COVID-19, the final legal troubles for one of its main characters will be resolved Tuesday in a courtroom in South Carolina. Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle faces up to 10 years in prison for trafficking in exotic animals and money laundering after pleading guilty in November 2023. Exactly what punishment prosecutors are asking for and any arguments for leniency from Antle's attorneys were kept from the public before Tuesday morning's hearing in federal court in Charleston. Three others who pleaded guilty in his investigation received either probation or a four-month prison sentence. Antle's sentence is the final true-life chapter of the Tiger King saga. The Netflix series debuted in March 2020 near the peak of COVID-19 restrictions. The show centered on dealers and conservationists of big cats, focusing on disputes between Joe Exotic, a collector and private zookeeper from Oklahoma, and Carole Baskin, who runs Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for trying to hire two different men to kill Baskin. Antle, who owns a private zoo called Myrtle Beach Safari, appeared in the first season of the documentary and was the star of the third season. Antle's zoo was known for charging hundreds or thousands of dollars to let people pet and hold baby animals like lions, tigers and monkeys that were so young they were still being bottle-fed. Customers could have photos or videos made. Antle would sometimes ride into tours on an elephant. Myrtle Beach Safari remains open by reservation only, according to its website. Antle has remained out on bail since his arrest in June 2022. Antle's federal charges were brought after the Tiger King series. Prosecutors said he sold or bought cheetahs, lions, tigers and a chimpanzee without the proper paperwork. And they said in a separate scheme, Antle laundered more than $500,000 that an informant told him was being used to get people into the U.S. illegally to work. Antle was used to having large amounts of money he could move around quickly, investigators said. The FBI was listening to Antle's phone calls with the informant as he explained a baby chimpanzee could easily cost $200,000. Private zookeepers can charge hundreds of dollars for photos with docile young primates or other animals, but the profit window is only open for a few years before the growing animals can no longer be safely handled. 'I had to get a monkey, but the people won't take a check. They only take cash. So what do you do?" Antle said according to a transcript of the phone call in court papers. Two of Antle's employees have already been sentenced for their roles in his schemes. Meredith Bybee was given a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee while Andrew 'Omar' Sawyer, who prosecutors said helped Antle launder money, was given two years of probation. Jason Clay, a Texas private zoo owner, pleaded guilty to illegally selling a primate and was sentenced to four months in prison, while charges were dropped against California ranch owner Charles Sammut. Antle was also convicted in 2023 in a Virginia court of four counts of wildlife trafficking over sales of lions and was sentenced to two years of prison suspended 'upon five years of good behavior.' An appeals court overturned two of the convictions, ruling that Virginia law bans the sale of endangered species but not their purchase. Antle was found not guilty of five counts of animal cruelty at that same Virginia trial.
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
5 top new movies to stream this week on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus and more (July 8-14)
It's another week of new movies across the best streaming services with the likes of Netflix, HBO Max and Disney Plus adding new flicks that will surely delight subscribers. I've personally got my eye on 'Karate Kid: Legends' making its premium video-on-demand debut. I found this charming action-sports movie to be an easy-to-watch joy in theatres, and I'm hoping it finds plenty of new viewers on PVOD. Meanwhile, I suspect that 'Madea's Destination Wedding' on Netflix will be the most-watched new movie of the week. Below, I'm rounding up all the top new movies arriving on streaming platforms over the next seven days. And be sure to check out our companion guide to the best TV shows this week. After the conclusion of the acclaimed 'Cobra Kai' series on Netflix back in the spring, 'The Karate Kid' franchise returned to the big screen this summer in 'Karate Kid: Legends,' a supremely entertaining flick that mixes both the original timeline and the 2010 reboot. 'Karate Kid: Legends' stars Jackie Chan (from the remake) and Ralph Macchio (the original Karate Kid), alongside new protagaonsit Ben Wang. Li Fong (Wang) has just moved to New York City with his mother. Initially homesick, missing his life, friends and uncle back in China, Li Fong eventually makes new friends in the form of a pizza shop owner (Joshua Jackson) and his daughter (Sadie Stanley). When their pizza parlour is threatened due to a mountain of debts, Li Fong decides to enter the local karate competition and score the cash prize. But to win this citywide showdown against the fierce reigning champion, he'll need some guidance from Mr. Han (Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Macchio). Buy or rent on Amazon from July 8 Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Violet Gates (Meghann Fahy) is a widowed mother who reluctantly leaves her young son at home to meet a singleton at a swanky restaurant at the insistence of her sister (Violett Beane). Her date is the handsome and extremely charming Henry (Brandon Sklenar), and just when Violet is about to let her defenses down, she receives a mysterious text message. The unidentified messenger informs her that sinister figures have taken her son and sister hostage, and will murder them unless Violet does exactly what they instruct and kills Henry. Thrust into a nightmare date, Violet attempts to protect her family while unmasking those behind the murderous plot. Director Christopher Landon expertly builds tension, and each new plot wrinkle is dished out at just the right pace. You might be able to guess the big reveal (the killer's identity is a little obvious), but even if you figure out the destination, the road to get there is a complete blast. Watch on Peacock from July 11 'Jaws' celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so there's no better time to enjoy one of the most acclaimed and influential movies of all time. Known for coining the term 'blockbuster' due to the intense fervour surrounding Steven Spielberg's mastercrafted shark movie, 'Jaws' is a cinematic titan. This new documentary explores its creation and its lasting legacy, with insight from the creatives involved in bringing it to life. Packing interviews, outtakes and never-before-seen footage, this feature aims to be the ultimate companion piece and will be a must-watch for anybody with a love for cinema. Created with input from Spielberg himself, 'Jaws @ 50 The Definitive Inside Story' looks like it'll deliver exactly what it promises: a deeper exploration of how the movie took shape, and how it continues to thrill viewers even five decades later. Of course, after watching this documentary, you're probably going to want to stream 'Jaws,' which is currently on Peacock, but is set to leave in under a week, so you'll only have a limited time for a double feature. Watch on Disney Plus or Hulu from July 11 Thriller fans will likely have an eye on 'Opus' this week. The feature debut of director Mark Anthony Green, it stars 'The Bear's' Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich. While its hooky premise will likely grab your attention, and the initial act promises a twisted web of secrets, unfortunately, as the ending approaches, things get increasingly muddled, and the finale is less than satisfying. Still, genre fans might find enough intrigue to stick with it till the end. Edebiri plays a young writer who is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who disappeared without a trace some 30 years ago. Announcing his new album, the singer, Alfred Moretti (Malkovich), has seemingly surrounded himself with sycophants who appear to all belong to a strange cult. As the writer investigates further, she discovers that the group has twisted plans for her and her fellow journalists in attendance. Watch on HBO Max from July 11 Tyler Perry is a Netflix stalwart, and his popular Madea character has made the streaming service home. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to see another Madea movie landing on Netflix, and this one seems very appropriate for the summer season. As the name suggests, 'Madea's Destination Wedding' sees the loudmouthed character jet off to the sunny Bahamas for her grandniece's whirlwind wedding, and of course, sheer chaos ensues. When Madea's great-grandniece Tiffany (Diamond White) announces she's set to marry her new boyfriend Zavier (Xavier Smalls), the whole family heads over to the Bahamas, even though there are several questions asked about the speed of these nuptials. Once in the tropical location, the celebrations become increasingly turbulent as one disaster after another unfolds. Plus, Tiffany starts to have some doubts about Zaiver's intentions. 'Madea's Destination Wedding' doesn't appear interested in breaking free from the franchise's formula, but considering these movies have been constantly popular on Netflix, I suspect that won't be a problem for most subscribers. It's very likely to score the No. 1 spot just days after its debut. Watch on Netflix from July 11
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
How To Experience The Best Of Ginza, Tokyo
Follow Ginza's bright lights to great shopping, dining and hotels. iStock-Sean Pavone Everyone has a reason to visit Tokyo. If that reason has anything to do with fine dining, fast cars or fine boutiques, you'd be wise to ensure a visit to Ginza, a neon-lit, inner-city district of opulence that is, unlike most of central Tokyo, relatively quiet after 10:30 p.m. Ginza was home to Tokyo's silver mint in the 17th and 18th centuries, soon becoming a commercial center and hub for wealthy merchants with streets lined with shops, theaters, teahouses and upscale warehouses. Today, it still attracts Tokyo's well-heeled locals and jet-setters as it is home to some of the world's most exclusive fashion stores and showrooms. But there's more than just shops in Tokyo's most upscale district; you can experience, unwind and dine in Ginza, too. Stay at the Tokyo EDITION, Ginza for subtle sophistication in the center of it all. The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza Well-situated in the middle of the neighborhood is The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. Designed specifically for those who wish to explore the shops, restaurants and cultural experiences of the district, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza is within stumbling distance of every hot spot. Created by Japan's architect of the moment, Kengo Kuma, the property has 86 rooms stylishly appointed in whites and warm walnuts and decorated simply with fresh flowers, lanterns and, of course, The EDITION's signature faux-fur throws. The boutique hotel has complimentary bikes and a fitness center. For guests who wish to experience full-service amenities such as a spa and swimming pool, sister property The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is just a 15-minute taxi ride. Find all sorts of unique gifts at Kyukyodo, a store founded in 1633. Terry Elward Where to Shop in Ginza Ginza is Tokyo's most prestigious shopping district, so it goes without saying that you'll see things here that don't exist anywhere else. Kyukyodo is Tokyo's renowned paper supplier, specializing in incense and calligraphy supplies. Founded in 1663, this small store on the main crossing at Ginza is the perfect place to pick up a bespoke scroll, a notebook of handmade paper, a beautiful Japanese fan or other unique gifts. Another centuries-old Japanese institution is Ginza Mitsukoshi, a department store that originally focused on kimonos but now sells luxury goods from all over the world. The basement floor is a mecca for lovers of beauty products, both men's and women's, offering both traditional Japanese beauty goods and limited editions of products from the world's best brands. For those looking for even more exclusive items, head to Wako. Famous for having some of the world's most expensive watches, Wako is worth a visit for its other opulent jewelry and homeware displays as well. The Imperial Palace has immaculate gardens, bridges, tea houses and more. Terry Elward What to See in Ginza You can't visit Ginza without stopping by Nissan Crossing, a gallery of the famed manufacturer's state-of-the-art dream cars and classic vintage models that are otherwise unseen by the public. Upstairs in its Crossing Cafe, Nissan showcases its technology by preparing lattes with images of the customer's face or one of the Nissan models laser-etched on the milk foam. Ginza is also just a short walk from the Imperial Palace, which is the main residence of the emperor of Japan. While the palace itself is not open to the public, its gardens are always worth a visit. The spaces include historical gates, tea houses, bridges and guard posts. The gardens are well-tended and provide beautiful displays of Japanese flowers, trees and plants. A free tour of the grounds can be arranged online ahead of time. Where to Dine in Ginza Being so close to the palace will inspire you to partake in a traditional royal banquet or kaiseki. There are several famous kaiseki options in Ginza, from the difficult-to-book Nihonryori Ryugin, run by prominent Japanese chef Seiji Yamamoto, to the cozy, 10-seater Ginza Kousui, which focuses on seasonal produce from Shizuoka Prefecture. Each kaiseki restaurant strives to offer varied Japanese flavors — experiences range from six to 14 courses — with a focus on the freshest meat, fish and produce; the best presentation; and authentic, from-the-heart service. Our advice: book well in advance, arrive hungry and don't be in a rush — these meals can stretch three or four hours. Punch Room serves retro vibes and unforgettable cocktails nightly. The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza Where to Drink in Ginza After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, stop by Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. Serving a vintage London private club vibe nightly, the cocktail bar pours punches inspired by the regions of Japan and international locations and mixed with the freshest local fruits and fine imported champagne. One of our favorite options is the Matsuri Punch, a chocolate-banana treat. There's an extensive mocktail menu for teetotal partiers every night as well. And live music livens the place up even more on weekends. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester Forbes 5 Best Sparkling Wine Houses In Northern California By Katie Sweeney
