When the “Squid Game” director announced the series finale in season 3, how did you feel? Sad? Disappointed? Well, you may say goodbye to your disappointment because Netflix hinted that yes, the rumored “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe is real, and it’s happening sooner than you’d expected. So, what does this mean? What kind of story can we expect from this exciting universe?
Netflix Initial Concept of “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe is Circulating Online
Brace yourself for the whole new cinematic universe of “Squid Game” has confirmed to be real and coming!
On January 9, the whole Kdrama community was in a massive frenzy after an image of what appeared to be Netflix presentation of “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe circulated online. This image seemed to be an initial concept of the whole new universe surrounding the “Squid Game” series, consisting of multiple planned projects spanning until Winter 2028.
According to the presentation, there will be multiple projects surrounding Netflix “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe, including its 3rd season, which was previously rumored to release in the first half of next year—with a leaked release date of June 27, 2025.
Along with Season 3, Netflix has also prepared exciting spin-off projects that will be released during three years in the future:
- Fall, 2026 – “Squid Game USA,”
- Winter, 2026 – “Squid Game 1987,”
- Spring, 2027 – “Squid Game 28th,”
- Winter, 2028 – “Squid Game World.”
All the Real Concept that We’ve Known So Far
If you pay enough attention, Netflix has basically sounded the real basic concept for “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe several times.
In multiple interviews, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos previously stated that the “Squid Game” universe has just begun. And he proved this statement with the release of multiple “Squid Game” projects, including the “Squid Game: The Challenge” reality show and “Squid Game: Unleashed” mobile game.
Granted, the “Squid Game: The Challenge” reality show ended up tragic with multiple controversies, and “Squid Game: Unleashed” may not have gone as viral as expected. However, they were a start and proof that once Netflix has plans, they will deliver!
Along with Netflix CEO’s statement, what makes this “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe even more real is the fact that the creator, Hwang Dong Hyuk, himself once mentioned similar statements.
In an interview last year, Hwang Dong Hyuk hinted that while “Squid Game” Season 3 would conclude the main storyline, he had indeed considered expanding the world of Squid Game through spin-offs and side stories.
“While working on the series, I often found myself thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting to explore the lives of other characters within this universe?’ There are so many compelling perspectives beyond the main plot.”
Hwang Dong Hyuk.
Netflix Fans Speculation: What Could These Spin-offs Look Like?
Now, there are extremely vast potential spin-offs for Netflix “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe, with stories that are very much real and full of richness of the series’ world and its characters
Fans have already speculated on what these side stories might focus on, and based on Hwang’s comments, there’s plenty of room for creative exploration. Here are a few ideas that have been circulating among the fandom:
“Squid Game: USA”
This project could explore how similar deadly games unfold in a different country, revealing how the elites manipulate participants in other parts of the world.
“Squid Game 1987”
A prequel set decades before the events of the main series, this could provide a backstory on how the games were created and explore the origins of the mysterious Front Man and the organization behind it.
“Squid Game 28th”
Fans are speculating that this project might revolve around the 28th iteration of the game, shedding light on previous contestants and their fates, possibly connecting to characters from the original series.
“Squid Game World”
This could be the ultimate crossover event, bringing together contestants from different countries and timelines, offering a grand finale to the spin-off series.
“Squid Game” Creator’s Real Vision for Expanding the Cinematic Universe
Despite the potential projects listed above, Hwang Dong Hyuk remains cautious about diving into spin-offs too soon. During the same interview, he added that while his plans for “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe aligned with Netflix and are very much real, he must also proceed with caution.
“Even if I were to pursue these ideas, it wouldn’t be immediate. I need time to reflect on how to maintain the essence of Squid Game while offering something fresh.”
Hwang Dong Hyuk.
Still, Hwang’s acknowledgment of these possibilities has fueled excitement as fans eagerly await official announcements. If Netflix’s track record is anything to go by, once they see an opportunity to expand a successful franchise, they’re unlikely to pass it up.
When Can We Expect an Official Announcement?
Finally, with the growing anticipation around Netflix “Squid Game” Cinematic Universe, it seems likely that an official announcement could be made soon after the release of “Squid Game” Season 3 later this year 2025.
Until then, fans can continue speculating and preparing for what might become Netflix’s next major franchise.
Would you like to join the speculation? What kind of spin-off story would you love to see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Source: X, Edaily.
