Squid Game Finale spoilers ahead: Netflix’s globally acclaimed dystopian thriller bowed out with a surprise that few could have anticipated.
While fans expected death-defying stakes and emotional showdowns, the final moments of season three detonated a twist that launches the franchise onto a new, international path.
Cate Blanchett Joins the Game — in Los Angeles
In a stunning coda, the Squid Game Finale transports viewers from Korea to California, where none other than Cate Blanchett appears, quietly recruiting American contestants for what appears to be a U.S. version of the infamous death game.
Her brief but unmistakable cameo sends a powerful message: Squid Game is no longer confined to one country.
The Oscar-winning actress’s unexpected appearance instantly sparked speculation about a possible spinoff. Netflix has not yet confirmed future plans, but Blanchett’s involvement hints at serious ambitions for the next chapter.
Details on who might direct or star in a U.S.-set season — and whether series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk will remain involved — are expected in the coming months.
Season Three: A Brutal, Anti-Capitalist Crescendo
Netflix released all six episodes of the third and final season at midnight Pacific Time on Friday. Picking up six months after season two’s debut, the final installment concludes the harrowing journey of Gi-Hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he confronts The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) in a final battle of wills.
The Squid Game Finale doesn’t hold back, adding dozens more to the series’ already grim tally of casualties.
Among the season’s most shocking developments is the inclusion of a newborn infant as a contestant — a jarring, symbolic escalation of the show’s brutal critique of capitalism.
Throughout its run, Squid Game has positioned itself as a parable of economic despair and moral compromise. Season three pushes those themes to their extreme.
A Record-Breaking Run Comes to an End
Since its surprise launch in September 2021, Squid Game has rewritten the rulebook on global TV success. The first season became Netflix’s most-watched show ever, winning Emmys for both Hwang Dong-hyuk and Lee Jung-jae. Season two maintained momentum, setting a new record for views in its premiere week and climbing to the platform’s third most popular show overall
That runaway success placed immense pressure on Hwang, who has famously written and directed every episode solo. Still, fans and critics alike found much to admire in the final season, praising its thematic boldness and dramatic conclusion.
Blanchett’s Cameo Adds Prestige and Intrigue
Cate Blanchett’s appearance in the Squid Game Finale instantly elevates expectations for whatever comes next. A two-time Academy Award winner with eight nominations, Blanchett is known for her discerning taste in collaborators and roles. Her recent projects include Tár, Disclaimer, Rumors, and Black Bag — all helmed by acclaimed directors.
In her brief but electrifying screen time, Blanchett’s character demonstrates sharp ddakji skills and delivers a signature slap, a subtle nod to the original series’ viral opening scene. Her presence signals a shift in scale — and tone — for the franchise, suggesting Netflix’s long-term vision for a global Squid Game universe.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
Netflix has not officially announced a continuation or spinoff, but the Blanchett coda in the Squid Game Finale effectively plants the seed for an American storyline. Whether that develops into a standalone series or a thematic successor remains to be seen.
For now, fans worldwide are digesting the end of a saga that redefined international television. The curtain has fallen on Gi-Hun’s arc — but the game, it seems, is far from over.
