Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk is currently in discussions with Netflix to develop a potential second and third season of the internationally acclaimed survival television series. The South Korean filmmaker, who also wrote and directed the thriller’s first season, confirmed the news that he may potentially create two more seasons for the show during a recent interview with Korean broadcaster KBS, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I’m in talks with Netflix over season 2 as well as season 3,” Hwang said during the interview. “We will come to a conclusion any time soon.”
The news of Squid Game‘s potential follow-up seasons comes after its initial season became Netflix’s biggest series in its history. The streaming service has revealed that since the dystopian show debuted on September 17, 142 million member households worldwide have already watched its first season, and it’s become the first series to surpass 100 million views.
During a special screening and Q&A for the drama last month in Los Angeles, Hwang also shared that he had been working on a season two storyline and has started talks with Netflix about a possible third season, which he felt a lot of pressure for while he was in Korea. He added that he has also been repeatedly asked about possibly creating more seasons for the horror show by the press in Los Angeles.
“I do have a basic storyline for season two — it’s all in my head — and I am currently in the brainstorming stage,” the writer-director has shared. “It will happen, someday, but as for when I cannot tell you the details.”
Hwang didn’t go into specific details about the ideas he has for the thriller’s second season’s storyline during the Q&A. However, he noted that the series’ protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, who’s played by Lee Jung-jae, will be returning, and “he will do something for the world.” The filmmaker added that the series’ sophomore season may not focus on the titular game’s contestants, and instead explore the role of the Korean police in proceedings.
The initial season of Squid Game, which is set in Seoul, follows Gi-hun as he receives a mysterious invitation to join a tournament of traditional Korean children’s games with a deadly twist. Held in a secret location, the game offers its 456 financially desperate participants a shot at winning a $38 million grand prize. The losers, meanwhile, must be prepared for a grisly death.
The Korean-language show garnered its popularity in part for its actors; Lee has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama, while Oh Yeong-su has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Television at next month’s 79th Golden Globe Awards. The drama has also been nominated for Best Television Series at the ceremony.