Will ‘Squid Game’ have an American spinoff?

The cast of “Squid Game” season 3. Image: Courtesy of Netflix

Cate Blanchett’s cameo in the final episode of “Squid Game” season three spurred speculations of an American spinoff. However, Netflix has no comment on the reports.

In the dying minutes of the last episode of season 3, Korean actor Lee Byung-hun as Frontman rolls out the windows of his car in downtown Los Angeles, in California when he spots Blanchett’s character playing ddakji in an alley along with a desperate-looking man. They exchange eye contact before she resumes slapping her game opponent each time he losses.

What’s interesting about this is her knowing look at Frontman and her own appearance. Decked in an impeccable black tailored suit playing an extraordinary game with deadly consequences, she mirrored the same dark ensemble that the Recruiter (Gong Yoo) had worn when he enticed Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, to join the games.

The locale also adds up to the speculation. Why would Frontman be flying all the way to California in the United States just to visit Gi-hun’s estranged daughter?

Regardless of the answers, the last episode appeared to show that “Squid Game” is far from over, and that these are easter eggs to watch out for if ever there will be another season of the spine-tingling series original Netflix series.

Rumors of “Squid Game’s” American spinoff made rounds in 2024 with David Fincher tapped to take charge of the series, per Deadline.

Fincher is known for directing psychological thrillers such as “Fight Club, “Panic Room,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “Gone Girl,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” He was also the producer of “Love, Death, and Robots,” “House of Cards,” and “Mindhunter.”

The filmmaker is also notable for directing the music videos of Madonna’s “Express Yourself” and “Vogue,” Michael Jackson’s “Who Is It,” and Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z’s “Suit and Tie,” to name a few.

He has established himself as a leading force in the industry, having bagged two Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Primetime Emmy wins.

A scene from “Squid Game Season 3.” Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea

Despite Fincher’s filmography and the rumors, the streaming service has kept its mouth shut on the possibility of expanding Squid Game’s universe outside of South Korea.

The series’ creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, said on multiple occasions that he is already done after season three.

The much anticipated final season shows former winner Gi-hun returning to the deadly games after his failed coup against the Frontman and his henchmen but with a more jaded outlook, and the birth of a baby in the confines of the island where the games are being held. /edv