Fans across the globe eagerly anticipated the climactic twists in the series finale of Netflix's smash-hit dystopian thriller, "Squid Game" — yet, arguably, not even the most imaginative minds could have foreseen this stunning revelation (warning: spoilers ahead). In the thrilling denouement of the show's final episode, the "Squid Game" universe expanded exponentially, as the camera panoramically transitioned to the bustling streets of California. There, amidst the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, stood a character embodied by none other than the double Oscar-winning actress, Cate Blanchett. She was seen recruiting potential American contestants for what one could surmise as an American iteration of the show's lethal games. This fleeting scene instantaneously addressed the pervasive industry buzz surrounding Netflix's plans for continuing or spinning off its all-time most popular global series. For the time being, all that is known is that the seeds for a new American storyline within the hit Korean series have been planted. In the coming weeks and months, Netflix is expected to divulge further details about Blanchett's cameo and its implications for the future of the "Squid Game" franchise — who might helm a new U.S. season, who else would star, and the level of involvement of series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. Meanwhile, "Squid Game" enthusiasts worldwide have a fresh, death-defying, and drama-laden season to immerse themselves in.
Netflix unveiled all six episodes of the final, third season of "Squid Game" at midnight on Friday, Pacific Time, just six months after the debut of the second season late last year. Season 3 added several dozen more deaths to the show's already staggering — yet whimsically candy-colored — body count. It brought the curtain down on protagonist Gi-Hun's (Lee Jung-jae) journey, as the everyman hero faced his ultimate confrontation with the game's sinister overseer, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). Beyond the appearance of an Oscar-winning actress, the season was replete with surprises — notably, the inclusion of an innocent newborn infant as a contestant, pushing the show's anti-capitalist moral narrative to its logical zenith.
The original season of the Korean dystopian drama left the world astounded upon its Netflix debut in September 2021, swiftly becoming the streamer's most-watched show ever and later garnering two Emmys for its creator and star. The unprecedented success of the first season imposed immense pressure on series creator Hwang, who famously writes and directs every episode solo. Yet, season two not only met expectations but also set a record for the most views of a series or film on Netflix in its premiere week, eventually soaring to become the streamer's third most popular show of all time.
Now, the fate of "Squid Game" rests once again in the hands of its audience, as the world navigates through its third season. Blanchett's casting lends immediate artistic gravitas to whatever lies ahead for "Squid Game." The Australian actress, an eight-time Academy Award nominee and two-time winner (for Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator" and Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine"), has also been nominated for two Emmys ("Mrs. America") and won four Golden Globes from 13 nominations. Renowned for her meticulous selection of artistic collaborators, she倾向于 to work exclusively with top auteurs. Recent credits include leading roles in Alfonso Cuaron's critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series "Disclaimer," Todd Fields' "Tár," Guy Maddin's "Rumors," and Steven Soderbergh's "Black Bag." Blanchett also possesses formidable "ddakji" skills, as evidenced by her powerful, wind-up slap in the stirring final moments of season three.
