Okay, let's cut to the chase. You're here because you're dying to know when does Squid Game 3 come out. Honestly? Me too. After that brutal cliffhanger in season 2, my friends and I have been texting non-stop theories. But here's the frustrating truth Netflix isn't shouting from the rooftops yet: we don't have an official release date. Not a single one. But hold up – before you close this tab, I've dug through every interview, production update, and credible leak to give you the most realistic timeline and everything else that matters.
TL;DR Reality Check: Don't expect Squid Game season 3 on Netflix before late 2025 at the absolute earliest. Early 2026 is more likely based on how Korean dramas are produced. Yeah, I groaned too when I calculated that.
Why the Ridiculously Long Wait for Squid Game 3?
Remember how season 1 exploded overnight? That viral success actually complicated everything. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk wasn't prepared for a franchise. He initially wrote Squid Game as a standalone film. When Netflix greenlit season 2, they had to build everything from scratch – new games, deeper character arcs, complex sets. That took over two years. Season 3 is facing similar hurdles but with even higher stakes.
Here’s the timeline breakdown that answers "when does Squid game 3 come out" by explaining the process:
| Phase | Estimated Duration | Current Status (May 2024) | Why It Takes Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scriptwriting | 8-12 months | Likely in progress | Hwang rewrites obsessively (season 2 had 6 drafts) |
| Pre-production | 6-9 months | Not started | Designing deadly new games requires engineers & safety testing |
| Filming | 7-10 months | Not started | Massive ensemble cast + complex set pieces |
| Post-production | 8-12 months | Not started | VFX-heavy (remember the glass bridge?) + multi-language dubbing |
A Korean film crew buddy told me they haven't even seen location scouts yet. That means filming probably won't start until early 2025. Do the math – late 2025 is optimistic. Early 2026 won't surprise me. I know, I'm bummed too.
Season 3 Leaks and Rumors You Actually Care About
Reddit and Twitter are flooded with "insider leaks." Most are nonsense. But after cross-checking with Korean entertainment reporters, here's what has some credibility regarding what's coming and when does squid games 3 come out:
- Gi-hun vs The Front Man is 100% happening. Lee Jung-jae (Gi-hun) accidentally spilled in a GQ Korea interview they've discussed "physical and psychological confrontations." Oops.
- New Games Based on Korean Folklore: Rumor is we'll see variants of Jangseung (guardian pole) challenges and Tuho (arrow throwing). Dark twists guaranteed.
- That Mysterious Detective Plotline (remember Jun-ho?) isn't abandoned. Hwang confirmed it'll resurface when we see the VIPs' global network.
But here’s my controversial take: I hope they ditch the VIPs. Those wealthy caricatures almost ruined season 2 for me. Real billionaires? Scarier and less cringey.
Confirmed Cast Who Might Die (This Is Squid Game After All)
Netflix loves surprise kills. Based on contracts and industry whispers:
| Actor | Character | Likely Role in Season 3 | Survival Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Jung-jae | Seong Gi-hun | Leading rebellion | 50/50 (hero dies trope?) |
| Lee Byung-hun | Front Man (Hwang In-ho) | Primary antagonist | Low (redemption death?) |
| Gong Yoo | The Salesman | Recruiter / Game facilitator | High (fan favorite) |
| Wi Ha-joon | Hwang Jun-ho | Undercover infiltrator | Medium (sacrifice potential) |
That rookie cop character? Betting $20 he doesn’t survive episode 3. They introduced him purely for a tragic death scene.
Where to Watch While You Wait (And Why It Matters)
Obviously Netflix is the only place. But your account settings impact how soon you’ll see it. Here’s what most fans miss:
- Netflix Tier Matters: Premium members get Dolby Atmos audio. For a show relying on creepy sound design (those doll footsteps!), it’s worth the upgrade.
- Turn Off Autoplay Previews: Annoying? Yes. But it prevents Netflix's algorithm from downgrading Squid Game's "completion rate" data if you pause during gory scenes.
- Country Delays Are Real: Some regions get releases 12-72 hours later due to dubbing. If you want it at 12:01 AM PT, use a VPN set to USA/Canada.
Pro tip: Netflix counts "first 28 days" as their success metric. Binge quickly if you want faster season 4 approvals!
Realistic Timeline Breakdown
Speculating about when does squid games 3 come out requires looking at patterns:
| Milestone | Season 2 Timing | Season 3 Prediction | Evidence/Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filming Start | July 2023 | February-March 2025 | Hwang's current film project ends Dec 2024 |
| First Teaser | 5 months before release | August-October 2025 | Netflix's standard hype window |
| Final Trailer | 3 weeks before release | November 2025 | Global marketing blitz pattern |
| Release Date | December 2024 | December 2025 - March 2026 | Post-production complexity + Netflix Q1 slot |
My gut says March 2026. Why? Netflix loves Q1 releases for award eligibility. Squid Game’s Emmy wins boosted subscriptions by 19% – they’ll strategically time it.
What You Should Watch While Waiting
Korean thrillers that scratch the same itch:
- The Devil’s Plan (Netflix): Real game show by Squid Game’s producer. Mind games without deaths.
- Sweet Home (Netflix): Survival horror with incredible monsters. Season 3 drops June 2024.
- Alice in Borderland (Netflix): Japanese version with even deadlier games. Season 3 confirmed.
Avoid Kingdom: Ashin of the North though. Gorgeous but slow – I fell asleep twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (The Real Stuff)
When does Squid Game 3 come out exactly?
No exact date exists. Based on production cycles, expect a premiere window between December 2025 and March 2026. Netflix won’t confirm until 2025.
Is filming for season 3 finished?
Not even close. Scripting is likely underway but cameras won’t roll until early 2025 at best.
Could Squid Game 3 be the final season?
Unlikely. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos called it their "Stranger Things-level franchise." Expect 4-5 seasons unless ratings crash.
Will there be new games or repeats?
Hwang confirmed entirely new games but hinted at "twisted variations" of classics. Maybe Red Light Green Light with drones?
My friend heard Squid Game 3 releases in November 2024 – legit?
Absolutely false. That rumor started from a meme account. Anyone promising 2024 is lying or confused with animated spin-offs.
How to Handle the Wait Without Losing It
I rewatched season 1 recently and noticed hidden clues about the Front Man’s past. Here’s how to stay engaged:
- Join SquidGame_Talk subreddit: Decent theories among the junk. Ignore "Leak" flairs.
- Play the mobile game: Surprisingly fun (Netflix Games app). Avoid pay-to-win traps.
- Visit filming locations: Daejeon’s abandoned school set is accessible (but creepy!).
Last thought: The delay might be good. Hwang rushed season 2’s ending. With proper time, season 3 could be legendary. Or it could pull a Game of Thrones. Fingers crossed.
So... when does squid games 3 come out? Later than we want. But I'll update this page the millisecond Netflix drops real news. Save the link.