Squid Game concluded with a powerful, thought-provoking finale, leaving viewers with a profound message exemplified through its lead character, Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae. In a bold decision, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk shifted the original ending, which suggested Gi-hun would survive to reunite with his daughter in America. Instead, he chose to have Gi-hun die, symbolizing the sacrifices needed for the next generation to inherit a better world.
The finale featured a surprising appearance by Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, who took on the role of a Los Angeles recruiter for a potential American version of the horrific games, which added a layer of tension and intrigue to the closing moments. Hwang clarified that this ending was not designed to pave the way for a sequel or spinoff, but rather to communicate a meaningful commentary on the cyclical nature of competition and systemic issues ingrained in society, particularly regarding late capitalism.
While there are rumors surrounding a potential English-language adaptation directed by notable filmmaker David Fincher, Hwang expressed his eagerness to see it should it materialize, emphasizing his admiration for Fincher’s work. However, he reiterated that his focus was on delivering a resonant message rather than setting up further stories.
The final scene reinforced the theme that despite individual efforts to resist systemic issues, the fundamental challenges remain deeply rooted. The symbolic dialogue, “Humans are…,” left unanswered, invites viewers to reflect on humanity’s complex nature, promoting a discourse on what it means to be human and the moral choices we face.
As viewers reflect on the ending, Hwang aims to inspire hope amid despair, urging them to consider what sacrifices they might be willing to make today for a better future. The series ultimately encourages a collective journey towards enlightenment and change.
The final season of Squid Game is now available for streaming on Netflix, and it stands as a poignant reminder of the choices we face in a challenging world.