‘Squid Game 2’ Poster Teases a Darker, Deadlier Game

In anticipation of Squid Game 2, a poster drop kicks off the countdown to its much-awaited return on Netflix this December 26. As clues to its new chapter are presented in a thrilling tease by the poster, it only adds to the slash and suspense surrounding the deadly game.

The visual signals in the artwork—its strategic placement of striking elements—catch the eye simultaneously, setting the stage for what we are in for—a detrimental, harrowing watch experience for the second time.

The poster for Squid Game 2 illustrates the complex interplay between design elements, color, and emotion—the fear factor—at most stimulating the viewer’s experience well in advance.

It features [what looks like] an athletic field topped by a rainbow-colored racetrack. A masked guard in pink drags a dead contestant in green, causing a broad line of blood to cut through the arena, almost instantly counteracting the cheerfulness of the colors. It has random bloodstains all around, and right behind the guard is a black coffin tied in a pink bow that mimics a huge gift box. 

What disturbs me, and I’m not sure why, but it does, is that the body, guard, and coffin are all placed in a straight line as if to give away an idea very elusive. The show name, Squid Game 2, in big, bold letters, together with a catchphrase, “The game isn’t over yet,” effectively catalyzes the tension that’s been building.

Hwang Dong-hyuk’s brainchild, Squid Game (2021), looks at social inequality, injustice, money problems, and our flawed selves. Through some twisted popular Korean kid’s games—it tests needy debt-ridden players’ quest for survival—and a hefty prize money. Before long, comes a reality check: anyone losing a game dies, adding to the pot of cash. Player 456 Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) battles and finally wins, but instead of heading to America, he stays in Korea to pursue a plan he devises for Squid Game 2.

This time around, starring Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun, alongside Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, and Gong Yoo, Squid Game 2 piques interest and much more, to be honest, adding Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P, Ex-Big Bang member), Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an completing the cast of characters.

In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Hwang mentioned that Gi-hun’s choice to remain in Korea instead of flying to the US was meant to fight and fix what happened. So, that’s central to what will happen in this season. Also, he added that we may get to explore the narratives of the frontman (Lee Byung-hun), his cop brother (Wi Ha-joon), and the strange recruiter (Gong Yoo). In a Netflix video released earlier today, actors Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and Wi Ha-joon discussed the various ideas that have been floating around about the new season and concluded that it will be more interesting than expectations.

With that and the implications more serious than before, Squid Game 2 is poised to be darker and deadlier. A special teaser for what’s to come will be unveiled tomorrow.