Hwang Dong-hyuk and Lee Byung-hun are making their highly anticipated return for Squid Game season 2. Hwang, the series’ visionary creator, will once again direct all seven episodes of this gripping installment. Lee Byung-hun, known for his roles in various Hollywood franchises including G.I. Joe and Terminator, is set to delve deeper into his enigmatic role as the Front Man, presenting a significant twist as he will appear unmasked for more of the season.
In season 1, Byung-hun’s Front Man was seen congratulating Lee Jung-jae’s character, Seong Gi-hun, who triumphantly claimed victory in the 33rd Squid Game, earning a staggering ₩45.6 billion. The revelation of Front Man’s true identity as Hwang In-ho, the brother of a former contestant, added a complex layer to the narrative.
To commemorate the release of Squid Game season 2 on Netflix, ScreenRant engaged in a conversation with both Hwang Dong-hyuk and Lee Byung-hun. They shared insights into the scripting processes for the upcoming seasons compared to the original series and discussed the evolving dynamics between the Front Man and Gi-hun.
The Evolution of Squid Game: From 2009 Film Script to Multi-Season Phenomenon
“I was able to write a lot more in a lot shorter period of time.”
ScreenRant: How does the development time for seasons 2 and 3 compare to season 1, especially considering that you were filming both seasons back to back?
Hwang Dong-hyuk: For season 1, I initially wrote it as a feature film back in 2009, a process that took me approximately eight to nine months. It wasn’t until 2019 that we pivoted from that idea to forming two seasons of eight or nine episodes each. Consequently, if I tally the total time spent on script development, it amounted to over a year.
In contrast, for seasons 2 and 3, I had roughly six months to complete the writing process due to a specific release date we wanted to meet. This tight timeline allowed me to produce more content in a significantly shorter duration compared to season 1.
Front Man’s Desire for Gi-Hun to “Learn His Lesson”in Season 2
“He wants to prove Hun wrong.”
Lee Byung-hun, what compels In-ho’s focus on Gi-hun in the second season?
Lee Byung-hun: In this season, Hun re-enters the game with the ambition to dismantle the entire system, while the Front Man aims to thwart this objective. His motivation extends beyond just stopping Hun; he seeks to demonstrate that Hun’s convictions are misguided. The Front Man has his own past and backstory that he shares with Hun, illustrating how he became the deeply pessimistic person that he is today. Additionally, I portray Young-il, a character fabricated to interact with other game players, presenting a diverse challenge as I navigate multiple personas within a single role. This complexity was not only a significant challenge but also a profoundly enjoyable experience for me as an actor.
Additional Insights on Squid Game Season 2
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk
Three years after his Squid Game victory, Player 456 has opted out of leaving for the United States, returning instead with a newfound resolve. Gi-hun finds himself drawn back into the perilous survival game, facing off against new contenders vying for the staggering prize of 45.6 billion won.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys® as the first Asian recipient for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, resumes his roles as director, writer, and producer. The returning cast includes Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo, alongside an impressive lineup of new actors such as Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an, contributing to the rich tapestry of characters this season.
Watch the Trailer Here
Squid Game season 2 is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: ScreenRant Plus
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