New Shows, Surprise Castings: 8 Major Announcements From Netflix Tudum 2023

As the streaming war rages on, it seems Netflix is not hitting the brakes but putting the pedal to the metal. At the recently concluded Tudum (uhuh, the sound you hear at the start of any show), Netflix’s biggest annual event, the company dropped new titles, trailers, and must-watches that will keep us glued.

If you and your to-watch list are ready for it, here are some of the notable announcements from Netflix Tudum 2023!

‘Squid Game’ Unveils Season 2 Cast

Hit survival drama “Squid Game” will return to your screens with its second season. This time, original cast members Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-Hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo will be joined by four of South Korea’s finest actors: Yim Si-Wan of thriller film “Unlocked,” Kang Ha-Neul of of action-comedy movie “Midnight Runners,” Park Sung-Hoon of revenge drama “The Glory,” and Yang Dong-Geun of sports film “Grand Prix.

More details about the new season are yet to be revealed, but the streaming platform also dropped the teaser for its new reality competition series inspired by “Squid Game.” You saw it right, it’s a real game show with real people as players. Check out their teaser for “Squid Game: The Challenge!”

‘One Piece’ First Live-Action Adaptation

There’s no mistaking that “One Piece” is one of the best anime series ever created, which is why Netflix is releasing a live-action adaptation of the show! One Piece’s main character Luffy will be played by Iñaki Godoy and joined by Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Taz Skylar as Sanji, and Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp. The remake will premiere on Aug. 31 and follow the story of Straw Hats squad’s adventures and friendship.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Gives First Look to Live-Action Remake

We all miss Aang and the squad, so Netflix has given us something to tune in. The classic Nickelodeon animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will have a live-action adaptation premiering next year. Netflix unveiled a first look at the characters, with Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as waterbender Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and Dallas Liu as the firebending prince Zuko. Arden Cho, George Takei, Momona Tamada, and other previously announced cast members will also join.

‘Terminator’s’ Linda Hamilton Joins ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

“Stranger Things” may be ending with its last season, but it promises to conclude with a bang! Netflix revealed that Linda Hamilton, from hit shows “The Terminator” and “Chuck,” will join the cast in Season 5. Fans can look forward to what her role will be, the adventures that are yet to come for the Hawkins gang, and more of the mysteries of the Upside Down. The new season’s release date is yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

K-Drama Galore

Apart from the “Squid Game” sequel, K-Drama fans are in for a treat because Netflix will release a slew of the most anticipated South Korean dramas with some of the country’s biggest names. The short sizzle reel gave a first look at the second season of the apocalyptic horror series “Sweet Home,” military drama “D.P.,” and action film “Believer.” New shows are also in the pipeline, including “Doona!” with Bae Suzy at the front, as well as “Gyeongseong Creature,” which stars Park Seo-jun, Han So-hee, and Wi Ha-jun. Other titles to anticipate are “Celebrity,” “Mask Girl,” “A Time Called You,” “Song of the Bandits,” "Daily Dose of Sunshine," and “Ballerina.”

Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’ BTS Sneak Peek

From the director who brought us “Justice League,” “Army of the Dead,” and “300,” Zack Snyder and Netflix will bring their new sci-fi epic “Rebel Moon” to our screens! The film is inspired by the 1954 classic “Seven Samurai” by Akira Kurosawa and uncovers the battle of a small colony against their insidious enemy, the Imperium. Some of the previously announced cast members are Ed Skrein as the evil Imperium enforcer Admiral Atticus Noble, Sofia Boutella as protagonist Kora, and Charlie Hunnam as mercenary pilot Kai, among others. Rebel Moon will premiere on Dec. 22. While waiting, check out the behind-the-scenes sneak peek!

'Money Heist' Spin-Off ‘BERLIN’ First Teaser

Netflix also brought something new for the fans of “Money Heist/La Casa de Papel!” It’s a spin-off of one of the series’ most popular characters, Berlin, played by Pedro Alonso. The new series will focus on Berlin’s golden era and on his most remarkable heist, long before he found out that he was terminally ill. Its first teaser was unveiled at Netflix Tudum 2023, hinting on a blend of romance, action, and thrill. Berlin will be available for streaming this December.

First Look at Action-Comedy Film ‘Lift’

Speaking of heists, Netflix released its first look at action-comedy film “Lift,” starring Kevin Hart and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. In the movie, the two gathers a crew to steal US$500 million’s worth of gold – mid-air – in order to prevent a terrorist attack. The movie premieres in January 2024, so if you’re in the mood for laughs (and heists), add this to your list!