Netflix's hit series Kingdom has been one of the streaming service's most popular horrors as it focuses on the feudal Joseon era in Korea and a plague spreading across the lands. The show deals with Prince Lee Chang as he attempts to take back the throne his father was robbed of, and as a result, he wages war on the Cho family.
However, apart from the politics and drama, Chang had to save the Citadel and all his people, whether they liked him or not, from the undead. So, seeing as Season 2 ended with some massive cliffhangers, let's break down if a third season of Kingdom is in the cards and what it could entail.
Will Kingdom Return for Season 3?
While Netflix has yet to announce a third season, it seems fairly likely the show will return, especially if it's up to writer Kim Eun-hee, who said last year that there's enough material for up to 10 seasons. Admittedly, she said they'd have to work around the pandemic, and while that might take a longer than originally planned, the biggest hint a new season is coming comes in the form of the upcoming special episode, Kingdom: Ashin of the North.
No release date has been announced for the special, but it's happening this year and will break down the history of the Pirate Queen, Ashin, who was introduced at the end of last season and seems to be controlling zombies. Now, if an episode was shot and directed, it may be that this was content from Season 3 brought forward until the rest of the season can be put together.
COVID-19 has slowed down many projects, so this special could act as a kind of buffer, while also providing fans with the origin of the new villain on the block. Kingdom premiered in January 2019 and Season 2 began airing in March 2020, so it stands to reason that if the third season does happen, it will kick off late this year or early 2022.
Season 3's Story
There's a lot for the third season of Kingdom to tackle, especially after that rousing Season 2 finale. The episode featured a time-jump that saw Lee Chang and his medicinal aide, Seo-Bi, tracking the Pirate Queen down. Ashin seems to be the one who seeded out the Resurrection Plant, infecting the hillside and selling it to vendors to destabilize the country, but that has yet to be confirmed. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that since the first horde has been stopped, her ultimate goal is a mystery.
This may very well lead to Ashin raising the undead across the country, with Lee Chang trying to use her to get to her employers. There's also courtyard drama to come as the young king he left behind is showing signs of infection, which leaves the royal court susceptible to the outbreak again. In addition, Lee Chang faked his death and handed the throne off to an illegitimate successor. His kingdom won't want to fall again, however, and knowing Japan and China are waiting to pounce, the council may welcome him back.
Kingdom stars Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong and Bae Doo-na. The first two seasons are now streaming on Netflix. No release date has been announced for Kingdom: Ashin of the North.