Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Squid Game Season 3.
Squid Game Season 3 ends with a surprising twist that sets up the future of the franchise. In the final moments of the series finale, a major Hollywood star makes a cameo, confirming plans for an American spinoff. Here’s what this means for the show’s legacy.
Cate Blanchett Appears as a Recruiter in the Finale
Two-time Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett appears at the very end of Squid Game Season 3, Episode 6. She plays a recruiter for the American version of the deadly games, mirroring Gong Yoo’s iconic Salesman role from the original series.
The Scene:
- Blanchett is seen playing Ddakji, the recruitment game, with a homeless man in a Los Angeles alley.
- She spots In-ho (the Front Man), who is in California to deliver Gi-hun’s prize money to his daughter.
- Blanchett gives In-ho an ominous smile before returning to the game as the episode cuts to credits.
This epilogue, set six months after Gi-hun’s death and the island’s explosion, confirms that the games continue despite the Korean operation’s exposure.
The Games Go Global
Blanchett’s cameo isn’t just a cameo—it’s a major hint at the Squid Game franchise’s expansion. The presence of American VIPs in Seasons 1 and 2 already suggested the games weren’t limited to Korea. Now, this scene proves similar deadly competitions exist in other countries, starting with the United States.
Why It’s Not Surprising:
- Most VIPs in the original series were from the US, showing the organization’s global reach.
- Il-nam and his wealthy allies likely set up games worldwide.
- The American spinoff feels like a natural next step for the story.
What Blanchett’s Character Means for the Franchise
Blanchett’s appearance signals Netflix’s big plans for an American Squid Game. While it’s unclear if she’ll reprise her role as the recruiter in the spinoff, her involvement raises excitement.
The Bigger Picture:
- Netflix is reportedly moving forward with a US version of its biggest show ever.
- Acclaimed director David Fincher is linked to the project, though not officially confirmed.
- Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has expressed excitement as a fan of Fincher’s work, eager to see his take on the spinoff.
Fun Fact: Blanchett and Fincher previously collaborated on the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, adding intrigue to their potential reunion.
Why This Matters to Fans
Many fans question whether Squid Game needs a spinoff, fearing it might dilute the original’s impact. However, Blanchett’s cameo and Fincher’s rumored involvement suggest Netflix aims to maintain high quality.
Potential Benefits:
- Fresh Perspective: An American setting could explore new cultural themes of desperation and greed.
- Star Power: Blanchett’s participation ensures attention and credibility.
- Expanded Universe: The global nature of the games opens doors for diverse stories.
Final Thought: Cate Blanchett’s cameo in Squid Game Season 3’s finale is more than a surprise—it’s a bold first look at the American spinoff. While the Korean games may pause after exposure, the deadly competitions live on across borders. With Netflix’s ambitious vision, the Squid Game franchise is poised for a thrilling new chapter.
All episodes of Squid Game Season 3 are now streaming on Netflix, revealing the first glimpse of the American spinoff.
