Featured Image Credit: Netflix
Topics: Film and TV, Squid Game, Netflix
Gregory Robinson
Netflix has responded to criticism after no female characters were announced for Squid Game 2.
The second season of the massive action survival K-drama was teased during a Netflix Tudum event over the weekend.
The streaming service shared details about the cast for the second season, which will consist of both old and new faces. Protagonist Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) will be back, hopefully with his new red hairdo.
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The sadistic game’s mastermind, known as 'Front Man' (played by Lee Byung-hun) and detective Hwang Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-jun) are also set to return.
The mysterious recruiter seen in season one, played by Gong Yoo, will also return for the new season.
A teaser trailer released to build hype for season two was unveiled at the event, giving fans a first look at some more established South Korean actors who are joining the Squid Game universe.
Some of the top names includes former K-pop idol turned actor Yim Si-wan, who previously starred in the Netflix thriller Unlocked.
Another Netflix alum, Park Sung-hoon from Netflix’s K-drama The Glory will be part of the Squid Game cast. Kang Ha-neul and Yang Don-guen have been cast as well.
Fans were quick to point out that all the new cast members were men and criticised Netflix for not announcing any female cast members for season two.
One disappointed fan wrote: “This is an amazing cast??? But kinda wild not a single woman is featured.”
Another confused Twitter user said: “Wait, I just watched the Squid Game cast announcement vid, where are the women?”
A third wrote: “Squid Game season 2’s new characters are just men, like where are the women???? The female actress was the best thing of season 1.”
Other fans argued that Netflix only did a ‘partial’ casting reveal. “I think this is only a partial reveal of the new players,” one person tweeted. "I feel the female cast is going to include someone that will make everyone lose their minds."
Fear not, Netflix has responded to the criticism and confirmed that there’s more casting news on the horizon.
In a statement provided to Insider, a spokesperson for Netflix clarified: "This was the first cast announcement for Squid Game season two. We're excited to share more casting news soon, which will include the leading female characters"
Production is expected to begin later this year. The new season will be directed and executive produced by the show’s creator Hwang Dong-hyuk.