Hwang Dong-hyuk, the acclaimed creator of the groundbreaking series Squid Game, is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest project, “The Dealer.” This new Netflix series, which has received the green light from the streaming giant, is a crime drama centered around the high-stakes world of casino gambling.
The narrative follows Geonhwa, portrayed by Jung So-min, a talented card dealer whose life spirals out of control after her wedding plans fall apart. As she becomes embroiled in a housing scam, Geonhwa is forced to return to a dark world she had hoped to escape. The series promises to explore her descent into an underground realm of illegal gambling, where she must harness long-buried supernatural abilities to gain an edge at the tables.
Hwang Dong-hyuk will produce “The Dealer” in collaboration with Firstman Studio, known for its work on Squid Game. The principal cast also includes Ryoo Seung-bum, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Ryu Kyung-soo. Notably, this series marks the directorial debut of Choi Young-hwan, a cinematographer recognized for his contributions to popular South Korean films such as “Smugglers,” “The Thieves,” and “Veteran.” The script was penned by Ohnooy and Lee Tae-young.
Building on the Success of “Squid Game”
The original season of Squid Game holds the title of Netflix’s most-watched series of all time, surpassing all other shows across languages. The series’ three seasons consistently rank as the top three non-English language series on the platform. While the subsequent seasons saw a dip in viewership compared to the explosive success of the first, they still outperformed nearly all other Netflix offerings, with the second and third seasons outperforming even popular titles like “Wednesday.”
As “The Dealer” aims to capture a different yet equally thrilling atmosphere within a casino setting, it is unlikely to replicate the global phenomenon that Squid Game achieved. Nevertheless, the anticipation surrounding this new series remains high.
Netflix is not done with the Squid Game universe. Hwang has hinted at the development of spinoffs and an English-language adaptation. The finale of Squid Game also teased future possibilities for the franchise, suggesting that fans can expect more groundbreaking content in the coming years.
As audiences eagerly await the release of “The Dealer,” Hwang Dong-hyuk continues to solidify his position as a visionary storyteller capable of transforming complex narratives into compelling visual experiences. With its mix of crime, gambling, and supernatural elements, “The Dealer” is poised to be a notable addition to Netflix’s diverse lineup, capturing the intrigue and excitement of viewers worldwide.
