Squid Game season 3 first look reveals Gi-hun's fate, the return of the Front Man, and confirms release date

Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
(Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game season 3 has a first look and a confirmed release date – and it seems that Gi-hun is heading back into those sadistic games once again.

At the streamer's Next on Netflix event, attended by GamesRadar+, we were treated to a sneak peek at the upcoming season, with brand new pictures unveiled.

They show Hyun-ju (Player 120) opening a coffin while her allies look on – presumably, someone they lost in the rebellion is inside – Gi-hun handcuffed to a bunk bed and looking up at a shadowy figure, guard No-eul with her mask off, the Front Man in the VIP room, and then the Front Man in his office without his mask. Check them out below.

We were also treated to a clip at the event shown behind closed doors, which teased a new, twisted game. In the footage, contestants are shown turning the dial on a prize machine that contains red and blue balls. Intriguingly – and potentially upsettingly – some of the show's core allies receive opposing colors. While Jun-hee (Player 222) draws a red ball, Myung-gi (Player 333) draws blue. Mother and son Jang Geum-ja (Player 149) and Park Yong-sik (Player 007) also draw opposite colours, while Dae-ho (Player 388) draws blue, as does Hyun-ju.

Then, Player 456 enters the room, and the others fall silent. Gi-hun draws his own ball – red. Whispering starts up as the clip ends. This confirms Gi-hun has indeed been returned to the games after his failed rebellion in the season 2 finale.

Luckily, we won't have to wait long for more as Netflix has also confirmed the release date for Squid Game season 3 is June 27, which was accidentally leaked soon after season 2 was released.

A poster has also been unveiled tying into that Squid Game season 2 post-credits scene, with the shadows of the dolls Young-hee and Chul-su looming over a coffin, guard, and dead player. Creepy.

A poster for Squid Game season 3

(Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game season 2 has been a huge success for Netflix, breaking a record set by Wednesday and quickly becoming the streamer's second most popular non-English language show ever (behind only its predecessor).

While you wait, check out our guide to the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies to fill out your watchlist.

Molly Edwards
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm a Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering all things film and TV for the site's Total Film and SFX sections. I previously worked on the Disney magazines team at Immediate Media, and also wrote on the CBeebies, MEGA!, and Star Wars Galaxy titles after graduating with a BA in English. 

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