Is Squid Game headed to US? Cate Blanchett’s cameo sparks spin-off buzz
Cate Blanchett's cameo in the Squid Game finale hints at a US version. With Gi-hun's death and the games destroyed in Korea, a new chapter may begin, though creator Hwang exits the franchise.
Last Updated: 01.22 PM, Jun 28, 2025
An unexpected development in the Squid Game season finale may indicate a shift in the show's future trajectory. Oscar winner Cate Blanchett makes a brief but impactful cameo in the last minutes of Season 3, playing the role of a recruiter for a deadly competition set in Los Angeles.
Echoes of Season 1
The role that Blanchett plays is similar to the one that Gong Yoo had in the first season. That recruiter enticed Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the leader of the South Korean cast, to join the game. The dismantling of the original operation has led to speculation that the games may be spreading overseas, as a new recruiter from outside Korea has been included.
The third season came to a close with Gi-hun's demise. He spent years attempting to find them after surviving the games once before finally breaking in from inside. He gave his life at the end to ensure the survival of Player 222's newborn child. Lee Byung-hun's character, The Front Man, completely destroyed the island that hosted the competition. He then escaped with the guards before the police could arrive. Along with saving Gi-hun's child, he rescued another.
Game resurfaces in Los Angeles
After the South Korean game was destroyed, In-ho is shown in Los Angeles months later. In a scene reminiscent of Gong Yoo's recruiter from the pilot, he sees Blanchett's character playing djaiki, a slap-based game, with a homeless guy. He proceeds to leave Gi-hun's original prize money with Gi-hun's daughter. Silently exchanging words with the new recruiter, the scene concludes, suggesting that the idea has taken root elsewhere even if the original game has ended.
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has announced his departure from the franchise, but Netflix has yet to announce a spinoff. Nevertheless, industry conjecture continues. Director David Fincher allegedly has a US version of the show in the works, with the possibility of reuniting with Blanchett—who appeared in his film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—as reported by Variety.
Netflix eyes expansion beyond the core series
Given Blanchett's involvement and the show's ongoing popularity, it appears that the Squid Game universe may continue to evolve, despite the streamer remaining silent about its future intentions. In addition to the written series, Netflix has successfully spread its brand through various mediums, such as a mobile game, a reality competition that won a BAFTA (Squid Game: The Challenge), and upcoming immersive experiences in Minneapolis and Dallas.