Hwang Dong Hyuk, the acclaimed director of the worldwide phenomenon Squid Game, has recently addressed the heated discourse surrounding the series' final season, particularly its polarizing conclusion. Following the release of the finale, many fans and critics took to social media to express their discontent, especially regarding the unexpected appearance of Hollywood A-lister Cate Blanchett.

In the dramatic final scene, Blanchett seemingly stepped into the role of a recruiter, which led to a wave of speculation about the future direction of the franchise. Fans began questioning whether this was an elaborate setup for a rumored spin-off titled Squid Games USA, igniting a heated debate online. One Twitter user, Rina, captured the shock and confusion among viewers, posting, "WDYM CATE BLANCHETT IS IN SQUID GAME S3 ?!?!" along with an expressive image.

The backlash intensified as many believed that the series, which initially garnered acclaim for its poignant commentary on capitalism and social inequality, had strayed from its original message. Critics voiced concerns that the finale's focus on an American adaptation undermined the show's foundational themes. For instance, another user lamented the transformation of Squid Game from a powerful anti-capitalist narrative into a mere cash grab for Netflix, tweeting, "squid game started with such meaning and as a huge anti-capitalism movement then grew as a cash cow for netflix…" This sentiment echoed widely among the series' devoted followers.

In response to these criticisms, Hwang clarified the thought process behind the finale. He explained that one possible ending involved the main character, Seong Gi Hun—portrayed by Lee Jung Jae—encountering Blanchett's character as well as another recruiter figure in the United States. However, he emphasized that this was not meant to set the stage for a spin-off but rather to illustrate that while one person's actions can lead to the conclusion of the Korean game, the larger systemic issues remain intact and resilient. Hwang stated, "It was meant to show that, although one person’s effort brought the Korean game to an end, the system itself remains strong and does not easily collapse."

Moreover, the director addressed the swirling rumors surrounding the supposed spin-off, explicitly stating, "It’s completely unfounded. It seems to be based on rumors. I haven’t heard anything about it officially—just what I’ve read in articles. I don’t know how much of it, if any, is true—whether it’s supposedly filming in December, that I’m directing it, that Cate Blanchett is in it, that David Fincher is directing… none of it has any basis in fact." His comments sought to dispel the assumptions that have circulated in fan communities and media outlets alike.

As the conversation continues to evolve, fans remain eager for further insights from Hwang and a deeper understanding of the show's direction. The legacy of Squid Game will undoubtedly remain a topic of interest as viewers dissect its endings and implications.