In the haunting final moments of Squid Game 3, a mysterious scene unfolds in a shadowy Los Angeles alley: a sharply dressed woman slaps a disheveled man in a fierce game of ddakji. The tension is palpable, the slaps echo—and just like that, the chilling invitation has crossed continents. With this, Netflix appears to signal its bold ambition: expanding the Squid Game universe beyond Korea.
Released on June 27, the third season officially concludes the original storyline centered on Gi-hun. Yet, the epilogue scene suggests a new beginning: one that reaches far beyond Korean borders. The surprise cameo of a Hollywood A-lister in this final scene underscores Netflix’s intent to grow Squid Game into a global franchise.
Earlier this year, U.S. outlets reported that acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher (The Social Network, Zodiac) might direct Squid Game: America, although Netflix has not confirmed this. Still, the international teaser scene adds fuel to the speculation, hinting at sequels and spin-offs of potentially massive scale.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, during a press conference on June 9, didn’t rule out returning to the universe. “If the opportunity comes, I’d consider doing a spin-off,” he noted. In an interview with U.S. media, Hwang also mentioned he was curious about exploring characters like Captain Park (Oh Dal-su) or the masked men during the gap between Seasons 1 and 2.
Actor Lee Byung-hun, who plays the enigmatic Front Man, added to the intrigue during his June 17 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. When asked if a Front Man spin-off could happen, he pressed the “O” (yes) button and said, “I can’t say for sure, but it’s possible. No one knows what will happen.”
Netflix’s decision to drop such a powerful epilogue indicates the survival game saga is far from over. If anything, it’s gearing up for a high-stakes transformation—one that could see Squid Game evolve into a global cinematic universe. Stay tuned: the next deadly game might just begin in your city.
