‘Squid Game’ Creator Opens Up About How the Series Was Really Supposed to End
The last episode of Squid Game gave fans plenty to think about, especially with how things ended. In the final moments, we see a silent stare between the Front Man and a mysterious woman, an American recruiter played by Cate Blanchett. The appearance was brief but intense, and it left people wondering if the show was hinting at a sequel or a spinoff.
Some rumors online suggested that filmmaker David Fincher might be involved in an English-language version of Squid Game, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, sources say the ending was not written to lead into a new project. Netflix hasn’t confirmed anything either.
In a recent interview with THR, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk opened up about the decision behind that final scene. He said it wasn’t meant to tease a follow-up. Instead, it was about showing how big systems of power don’t end just because one part is taken down.
“Gi-hun and Front Man, through these characters, the Games in Korea have ended,” Hwang said. “I wanted to leave it on a note highlighting the fact that these systems, even if one comes down, it’s not easy to dismantle the whole system — it will always repeat itself. That’s why I wanted to end it with an American recruiter.”
Hwang also revealed that this wasn’t his first plan for the ending. Originally, he imagined a different fate for Gi-hun. He thought Gi-hun would live and head to the U.S. to reunite with his daughter. In that version, Gi-hun would have been the one to notice the American recruiter. But as the writing process went on, things shifted.
“I thought it was more fitting for Gi-hun to send this powerful and impactful message to the world [with his death] and that should be how the story comes to a close,” he explained. Hwang said he was thinking about the state of the world while writing and how sacrifices today might be needed for the future.
“The world seems to be headed for the worst… What kind of sacrifices do we need to make in the current generation for us to be able to leave the future generation with a better world?” he added.
Blanchett’s appearance in the finale wasn’t just a surprise—it was very intentional. Hwang said they needed someone with strong presence who could leave a big impression, even in a single line. “She’s someone who can instantly grab your attention with a single stare,” he said.
He also considered making the recruiter a man, like in the original version where Gong Yoo played the role. But in the end, Hwang decided that using a woman would offer something new and memorable. Blanchett was the name that came to mind.
As for more Squid Game, Hwang hasn’t ruled it out completely. He mentioned he’s thought about doing a story that goes back in time, focusing on the space between the first and second seasons. Maybe something about the Front Man or another key character like Captain Park. But right now, he says the finale is meant to be the end.
It’s not about teasing the future, it’s about making a statement on how power works, and how the same patterns keep showing up again and again.
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