The original “Squid Game” series has sadly come to an end, but it has left the door open for multiple spin-offs. The way in which the finale opened that door has been a heated topic debate amongst fans of one of the biggest ever Netflix original series. One thing that is for sure, the final season is a record breaker for Netflix, with over 60 million views in it’s first 3 days – making this season the most popular Netflix release of all time.
The finale and ending of the original Korean version of the games has also deeply divided online communities and message boards due to the controversial decision made by the series Protagonist Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. Warning, beyond this point there are major spoilers for “Squid Game” Season 3 and beyond.
…the final season is a record breaker for Netflix, with over 60 million views in it’s first 3 days –
making this season the most popular Netflix release of all time.“
Series Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk participated in a behind the scenes interview documentary along with Jung-jae and Frontman actor Lee Byung-hun called “Squid Gam In Conversation”, where they discussed a possible ‘Frontman’ spin-off. He possibility of seeing this enigmatic and contradictory character in other settings is intriguing, but it was the final scene of the last episode that setup an in universe sequel, which is reportedly being developed by David Fincher. This would focus on an American version of the “Squid Game”, but it’s unclear whether celebrity cameo Cate Blanchett would reprise her role as the USA recruiter. Blanchett has gone on record in the past as being open to the right TV project, but the way Creator Hwang makes the cameo sound is that “Squid Game” is spreading, but that isn’t necessarily the same organization or what a future spin-off might focus on. David Fincher’s name being allegedly attached makes the situation very interesting, but without a confirmation we’re only speculating.
Overall, we felt the final season itself was worthy of the records it broke in viewership…even if it had flaws. The decision to kill off main character Gi-hun in the final game was hard to swallow, but we can respect the Creator’s decision. After Hwang lost reportedly over a dozen teeth making the series, he should have the right to do whatever he wants regardless of Netflix input. We could of used more Thanos, but mostly all of the remaining characters did wonderful jobs going out with a bang. The storyline with No-eul, (played by Park Gyu-young) was an interesting dive into the world of the workers, but it didn’t feel as flushed out as the games or the other team trying to locate the island.
Ranking the seasons, we’d still have to give the crown to the original game, but season 3 does hit a little harder than the second in our opinion. One of the big criticisms we have read about, is the way the final scene was worked into the series and what it implied. The fact that Blanchett is playing a Korean game in America didnt feel right for a lot of fans and we have to agree that they have a point. The emotional power of “Squid Game” is that these desperate people are putting their lives AND morality on the line, while playing murderous, perverted versions of games they grew up playing with glee. A lot of Americans wouldn’t know what Ddakji is if they were randomly challenged to it in an alley, which would make them suspicious. The dynamics and psychology of the situation is totally different. Many redditors felt that the a ‘Squid Game USA’ should be e themed with American games and there is a sound logic to that. Given the fact that the VIP’s didn’t even know what a ‘Squid Game’ was in the first season, it seems like naming the American version after that game wouldbn’t have much traction.
In our humble opinion, we think a Frontman centric series could be the way to go if Netflix is hell bent on expanding the “Squid Game” universe, but the appeal to see David Fincher’s take on this world I s also very appealing.
What do you think? How long will we have to wait for something new in the “Squid Game” Universe? Shouldn’t we have gotten 3 separate games in 3 seasons? We’re you happy with the ending? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
