Squid Game Creator Clears Up US Spin-Off Rumors After Cate Blanchett’s Surprising Cameo

The global hit Squid Game stunned viewers with one last twist. In the final scene of the third and last season, award-winning actress Cate Blanchett appeared as an American recruiter for the deadly competition. Her unexpected cameo led many fans to believe Netflix was planning a US-based spin-off.

However, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk says that was never the plan.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hwang explained that the ending was meant to make a statement about society, not set up a sequel.

“I didn’t end it on that note to deliberately leave room for further stories to happen,” he said. “Gi-hun and Front Man, the Games in Korea have ended.”

Hwang said he wanted the final scene to show how dangerous systems can spread anywhere. “This story started with me wanting to tackle issues about the limitless competition and the system that’s created in late capitalism,” he said. “I wanted to leave it on a note highlighting that even if one part comes down, it’s not easy to dismantle the whole system, it will always repeat itself. That’s why I ended it with an American recruiter.”

Despite that, rumors have continued that Netflix is working on a US version of Squid Game. Reports claim that David Fincher, director of Fight Club and Gone Girl, could be involved. Hwang said he had not been informed about any such project.

“Honestly, nothing has been said to me officially by Netflix about this,” he shared. “I’ve only read about it in articles. I’ve always been a huge fan of David Fincher’s work, from Seve,n and I’ve loved his films. So if he were to create an American Squid Game, I think that would be very interesting to watch. I would click on it right after it’s released if it were to happen.”

As for casting Cate Blanchett, Hwang said he wanted someone who could make a big impact in a short scene.

“We thought having a woman as a recruiter would be more dramatic and intriguing,” he explained. “And as for why Cate Blanchett? She’s just the best, with unmatched charisma. Who doesn’t love her? We needed someone who could dominate the screen with just one or two words, and that’s exactly what she did.”