When the first season of Squid Game was released four years ago, the series quickly dominated the Netflix streaming charts and became one of the streaming service’s biggest hits. So, it wasn’t entirely surprising to hear that an American iteration of the critically acclaimed series was in development. Fast forward to the third and final season of Squid Game, and the final minutes of the series featured a legendary actress, seemingly setting up the previously announced American spinoff. Now, actress Cate Blanchett has briefly discussed her surprise cameo in the series finale and whether it means she’ll be in the American spinoff.

Cate Blanchett expressed her interest in venturing more into television during her interview with Variety, before breaking down how she became involved with the finale of Squid Game. The actress explained that the offer came “out of the blue,” before continuing to explain the entire process. “Because it’s such a cult series and they were shooting in L.A. of all places, everyone was on a need-to-know basis. I got a couple of storyboards. I had to [learn to] play the game very quickly. I had to practice and practice. I knew there were four or five setups that they were going to do, and I knew what they needed from every shot, and then I was given the sides. But it was one of the more mysterious jobs.”

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The actress, who had to provide her own suit for filming, followed up her statement by expressing her interest in appearing in an American spinoff. As it stands, Blanchett’s Squid Game cameo has been just that and nothing more. However, she’s not ruling anything out for the future. “I am wildly open to anything. And in a world that is so beautifully, magically created like that, for sure. They’re amazing world-builders, and that series has been eaten alive. I don’t think there’s a corner of the globe that it hasn’t touched in some way.”

Will Cate Blanchett Lead Squid Game‘s American Spinoff?

The American spinoff of Squid Game was first announced last year. At the time, it was noted that acclaimed filmmaker David Flincher was said to be involved with the project. Since the initial reports, however, very little has been revealed about the project. Interestingly enough, the creator and showrunner of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, did not write the ending of the series with the intention of it setting up an American spinoff. The ending, for Dong-hyuk, was meant to show that even if one system was dismantled, another would simply rise in its place.

With Netflix not having yet officially announced plans for an American spinoff of Squid Game, it remains to be seen whether Blanchett’s cameo will ultimately just be a quick nod to the reality of the games. For now, fans can continue to enjoy the reality television adaptation of the hit television series, Squid Game: The Challenge, which will debut its second season this November. Until then, all three seasons of Squid Game are now streaming exclusively on Netflix.

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Well-done plot twists in TV shows have a very unique effect: they don’t just surprise, they make the viewer rethink everything they’ve watched up to that point, after many episodes and seasons. Sometimes, the impact comes from a twist that’s actually pretty simple, but full of consequence. Other times, it changes the entire story, subverts expectations, and flips the game out of nowhere. It’s not just about shock value, because what really hits are those twists that affect the characters, their relationships, and even the meaning of the plot. Now, imagine that happening in horror? That’s where the genre shows its most creative and striking side (and even traumatizes).

This list brings together seven of the best horror twists that are truly mind-blowing and completely changed my experience of watching the show. Each one here represents a turning point that goes way beyond just being scary or creepy – they’re way too smart and totally stand out.

WARNING: Major spoilers ahead

1) Squid Game‘s True Mastermind

When Squid Game showed that Il-Nam (Oh Yeong-su), after faking his death (which was already shocking), wasn’t just another player, but the architect behind all that horror, my reaction was basically: “Did I really fall for that?” The character was written with so much vulnerability and charm that it was easy to feel empathy for him (maybe a little too easy). And that’s exactly why the twist works so well: it doesn’t just hit as a shock, but as a direct break of trust with the audience. It’s a well-executed trick, I have to say, and it retroactively gives new meaning to several scenes in the show.

But the coolest part is that more than just a basic “villain plot twist,” Il-Nam reshapes the moral debate of the show. It’s not just about inequality and desperation; it’s about how power corrupts even empathy. He created the games out of boredom and curiosity – and that’s what makes it so disturbing. It was the kind of twist that made me rethink everything I had bought into about the story up to that point. And considering it’s a horror show at its core, it’s a pretty phenomenal twist (even if it’s a bit frustrating too).

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2) Widespread Infection in The Walking Dead

Few twists in horror shows change the rules of the game as much as this one: in The Walking Dead, everyone is already infected. When Dr. Jenner (Noah Emmerich) whispers that to Rick (Andrew Lincoln) at the end of the first season and the information only comes out later, the entire show flips upside down. It’s no longer about avoiding being bitten, but simply accepting that death, in any form, will turn you.

Sure, the show had plenty of truly scary moments and other great twists, but this was when I felt it truly embraced horror for the first time. There’s no cure and no exceptions for anyone. The fight to survive becomes a race against something that, in the end, is inevitable. And that completely changes the atmosphere of the universe. It’s one of the simplest twists in concept, but one that carries huge consequences. And that’s why it’s still one of the most memorable in the show.

3) The Real Monsignor Pruitt in Midnight Mass

This one was subtle, but more uncomfortable than everything the show had been building. In Midnight Mass, the series slowly starts planting the doubt: who exactly is this Father Paul (Hamish Linklater)? And when we find out that he’s actually Monsignor Pruitt, rejuvenated by vampire blood, everything clicks. It’s worth saying that this is one of those twists that isn’t just shocking because of the reveal itself, but because of what it confirms: you realize you were ignoring the obvious clues because you didn’t want to believe that was really it.

I like how this revelation changes the way you see the “miracles” happening on the island. Suddenly, they turn into a curse, faith becomes fanaticism, and what seemed divine is actually completely monstrous. Obviously, from the start, everything is so mysterious that you know something’s going to come out, but when it finally happens, it’s still mind-blowing. The impact hits hard.

4) The Real Bent-Neck Lady in The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House has a twist that totally caught me off guard and honestly stands out as one of the best-crafted in modern horror. Finding out that Nell (Victoria Pedretti) had always been the Bent-Neck Lady, a figure that had haunted her since childhood, left me frozen for a good few minutes. It’s uncomfortable, it’s tragic, and it absolutely makes you want to go back and rewatch everything with a different lens. That’s the magic of Mike Flanagan.

What hit the hardest was how the show didn’t use it as just another scare, but as a pretty much inevitable consequence of a trauma cycle. The monster was her all along, and that twist redefines the kind of horror the show is trying to deliver. It’s not really about haunted houses, but about how the past is always part of the present, and how pain can become your fate. When you stop and think about that, it ends up being way scarier than any ghost or supernatural creature.

5) Bob’s Possession in Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks was a phenomenon and became a cult classic, but to this day, it still has one of the most shocking plot twists of all time. Even knowing the show would never go for a conventional ending, I still wasn’t ready to see Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), who spent two seasons as the ultimate hero, give that disturbing smile in the mirror. The fact that it was his doppelgänger possessed by Bob (Frank Silva) is devastating, with no warning.

Here, the twist wasn’t even bold; it was deliberately cruel. It’s the kind of ending that forces you to deal with the collapse of your sense of justice. It’s uncomfortable to watch the protagonist be consumed by darkness, but it’s also exactly the kind of twist that turns a show into something unforgettable. Even now, I have to say that laugh still bothers me – but that’s exactly why it works and why David Lynch is a genius.

6) Dead the Whole Time in American Horror Story: Murder House

An anthology series with plenty of bizarre moments, American Horror Story has delivered its fair share of twists, but for me, nothing tops Violet’s (Taissa Farmiga) arc in Murder House. The fact that she was dead the whole time is still one of the most powerful moments in the entire show. It’s not just the shock factor, but how the reveal is built up. No one could’ve predicted it. When Tate (Evan Peters) shows her decomposing body, the horror isn’t just hers – it’s ours, too.

I really appreciate twists that shift the viewer’s perspective without feeling forced, and this one nails it. Violet’s death completely reframes all her interactions and turns her storyline into something far more tragic (and therefore unforgettable to fans). This twist is about someone who has already lost the fight and didn’t even realize it. Within AHS‘s world, it’s cruel and impactful in just the right way.

7) The Real Time Loop in Dark

If you made it to the end of Dark, you probably felt the same as I did: your mind spinning. One of the best-written shows out there, it simply delivers, after so many twists, an ending where you’re not even sure what to think anymore. Jonas (Louis Hofmann) and Martha (Lisa Vicari) aren’t just victims of the time loop: they are the loop itself, and that literally changes everything. There’s no villain, let alone a simple solution to unravel the whole mystery. The knot that binds the worlds is fueled by their choices.

This twist is not meant to shock, but to give emotional weight to what had already been hinted at. It’s smart. These two characters aren’t just pieces on a board; they are the whole board. They perpetuate the cycle while trying to save it, and that’s as desperate as it is brilliant. When the show reveals this, you realize a happy ending was never an option. Honestly, I really respect when a series has the guts to own that.

What are your favorite twists in horror TV? Let us know in the comments below!

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After the series finale of the South Korean series, Squid Game, the Netflix hit doesn’t seem to be stopping with the an American take on the global phenomenon on the horizon. The ending scene of Season 3 of Squid Game features the Front Man travelling to San Francisco. It is there that he sees Cate Blanchett in an alley recruiting a man with a game of Ddakji in the same way the Recruiter did in South Korea. As Blanchett and the Front Man make eye contact, the implication is clear: they are both aware that Squid Game is not just happening in South Korea and is far from over. A westernized version promises to deliver the same high-stakes drama, moral dilemmas, and brutal eliminations that captivated millions.

The beauty of Squid Game lies in its deceptively simple, childlike games twisted into life-or-death challenges, forcing participants to confront their own humanity (or lack thereof) in a pressure cooker of a situation. The American spinoff has a golden opportunity to tap into a rich vein of classic playground games, transforming them into terrifying trials that reflect the cutthroat nature of survival. As we eagerly await confirmation of an American version of the series, here are seven quintessential American games that, with the right dark spin, could make for truly unforgettable, and utterly horrifying, challenges.

1) Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag, a quintessential team-based game of strategy and athleticism, could be transformed into a harrowing task. Two teams, perhaps distinguished by different colored jumpsuits, vying for a flag on opposite sides of a vast, booby-trapped arena. The “base” where the flag resides could be a fortified, highly dangerous zone, perhaps with automated turrets or electrified fences protecting it. Players caught in enemy territory or attempting to capture the flag would face instant, brutal elimination, making every sprint and every strategic maneuver a desperate gamble for survival.

The true terror would be not just from the physical dangers, but from the psychological toll. Teammates would be forced to make impossible choices, sacrificing one another to draw fire or create diversions. The “jail” concept could be reinterpreted as a literal holding pen where captured players face a final, gruesome fate if their team fails to rescue them within a time limit. This game would demand cunning, cooperation, and a willingness to betray for victory, perfectly encapsulating the brutal essence of Squid Game.

2) Simon Says

“Simon Says” takes a chilling turn when the penalty for disobedience is death. Imagine players lined up, facing a menacing “Simon” figure, similar to the “Red Light, Green Light” imposing statue, whose commands must be followed precisely. Any deviation – moving when Simon didn’t say, or failing to move when he did – results in immediate, public execution. The game would escalate in complexity and speed, with “Simon’s” instructions becoming increasingly intricate and designed to trip up even the most skilled player.

The psychological torment would come as players are forced into absurd or humiliating actions, knowing a single misstep means their demise. The game could incorporate purposeful false starts and conflicting commands, pushing participants to the brink of panic and paranoia. This twisted version of “Simon Says” would exploit human fallibility and the fear of authority, forcing players to confront their own reflexes and obedience under the most dire circumstances.

3) Duck, Duck, Goose

This seemingly innocent schoolyard game becomes a terrifying lottery of life and death. Players sit in a circle, and the person who is “it” walks around tapping heads, chanting “Duck, duck, duck…” until they choose a “Goose.” The “Goose” must then chase “it” around the circle, trying to tag them before they sit in the “Goose’s” empty spot. In the Squid Game version, being chosen as the “Goose” would be an immediate death sentence if you fail to tag “it” before they sit, or if “it” manages to tag you first after you’ve been chosen.

The brutal twist would be the agonizing anticipation for those in the circle, never knowing if they’ll be the next chosen “Goose” to face a desperate sprint for survival. The “it” person holds absolute power, their choice sealing someone’s fate. This game would highlight the arbitrary nature of death and the cold, calculated decisions made by those in control, turning a childhood game of chase into a frantic scramble for survival.

4) Dodgeball

Dodgeball, a game of agility and targeting, would become a ruthless battle for survival where being hit means instant elimination (death). Picture a large arena filled with players, armed with your everyday rubber dodgeballs. Each time a player is hit, they are immediately eliminated. The game wouldn’t end until only a handful of players remain, or until a strict timer runs out, leading to mass elimination. Special, more deadly balls (i.e. electrified) could be introduced throughout the game, or specific zones that are lethal to enter, forcing players into dangerous positions.

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The brutality would lie in the pure chaos and the constant threat of being targeted. Alliances would form and break in an instant, and players would be forced to use others as shields, or deliberately target weaker opponents. The sheer physicality and the constant threat of being hit and therefore “out” (permanently) would create an intensely terrifying experience, reducing human interaction to primal self-preservation.

5) Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs, a classic game of speed and quick reflexes, takes on a chilling new dimension in the Squid Game universe. As the music plays, participants circle a shrinking number of chairs. When the music stops, everyone scrambles for a seat. However, in this version, those left standing when the music stops aren’t just “out” – they’re eliminated in a gruesome fashion. The tension would be unbearable, as players jostle, shove, and even deliberately trip each other to secure a spot.

The psychological impact would be crushing, as players are forced to betray and physically overpower their fellow “teammates” for the chance to survive. As the number of chairs dwindles, the desperation would escalate, leading to increasingly violent and cutthroat competition. This game would expose the rawest aspects of human selfishness and the desperate scramble for a lifeline when faced with inevitable doom.

6) Red Rover

“Red Rover, Red Rover, let [player’s name] come over!” This seemingly innocent line becomes a death sentence in the Squid Game rendition. Two lines of players, holding hands, face each other. One side calls over a player from the opposing line, who must then attempt to break through their clasped hands. If they succeed, they get to take a player back to their team. If they fail, they join the opposing team – or in this brutal version, they face immediate elimination.

The savagery would come from the sheer physical impact of attempting to break through a human chain, knowing failure means death. The “calling over” process would be a terrifying lottery, as players anxiously await their name to be called, knowing they might be forced into a no-win situation. There also would be a fair amount of strategy involved in this version of Red Rover, as weaker and older players would be easy targets to “call over,” thus shrinking the pool of competitors. The game could also introduce weighted vests or obstacles for the person being called over to overcome, making their desperate charge even more difficult. This game would expose the fragility of human alliances and the brutal reality of being sacrificed for the group’s survival.

7) The Floor is Lava

“The Floor is Lava” transforms from an imaginative game of avoiding the ground into a literal trial by fire. Players would be confined to a dangerous environment where the “floor” is not just dangerous, but actively literal lava. A platform could slowly descend into a pool of molten lava, forcing players to jump onto whatever items could save them from a fiery death. They would have to navigate using unstable furniture, ropes, or other precarious objects, with a single misstep meaning agonizing death.

The brutality would stem from the constant, looming threat of actual lava and the desperate need for balance and spatial awareness. The environment itself would be the enemy, slowly but surely claiming victims. The game could also incorporate elements where players must cooperate to create safe passages, only to be forced to betray each other to secure the last remaining safe spots, similar to “Sky Squid Game” seen in Season 3 of the series. This would be a relentless test of agility, quick thinking, and the ultimate will to survive against an unforgiving, deadly landscape.

The post 7 Games The American Squid Game Spinoff Needs to Include appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If you just finished watching Squid Game Season 3 and are wondering what to watch next, you are not alone. Many viewers around the world are now looking for Korean dramas that bring the same kind of thrill, tension, and deeper meaning. After all, Squid Game helped shine a light on the wide variety of Korean storytelling. The good news is that K-dramas today offer far more than just romance. From survival thrillers to emotional horror and sharp social commentary, there is so much more to explore. Whether you want action, suspense, or something to make you think, the K-drama world has something for every viewer.

Squid Game gave us a close look at how unfair the world can be. It reminded us how far people will go when they feel trapped or desperate. But it’s not the only show of that kind. Many Korean dramas explore similar struggles in different ways. Whether through deadly competitions or social experiments, these stories ask us what it means to survive when everything is against us. That’s why we have handpicked ten K-dramas that fans of Squid Game will enjoy. Whether it is survival, resistance, or the cost of staying human, these shows continue the conversation that 2021’s smash hit started.

1) Pyramid Game (2024)

Baekyeon Girls’ High School seems like a top-ranked school from the outside, but something disturbing is happening behind closed doors in Pyramid Game. Every month, the students take part in a secret vote where they assign each other a grade from A to F, not based on academics but on popularity. The girl who receives an F becomes the class outcast. From that point on, everyone else is allowed to bully, ignore, or isolate her. Teachers say nothing. The school turns away. When a quiet transfer student becomes the new target, she refuses to follow the unspoken rules. Instead of breaking down, she chooses to push back.

If you were drawn to Squid Game for its themes of social injustice, manipulation, and quiet resistance, Pyramid Game delivers all of that in a school setting that feels both small and incredibly tense. Just like the players in Squid Game, these students are trapped in a system that rewards cruelty and punishes kindness. Some follow the rules to stay safe. Others turn cold just to survive. And one named Seong Su-ji, like Gi-hun and Sae-byeok, finds the courage to resist. There may be no prize money or physical traps, but the emotional cost is just as high. Pyramid Game asks what happens when people are forced to choose between being safe and doing what is right, and who you become when everyone is bent on breaking you.

2) Death’s Game (2023)

In Death’s Game, Choi Yee-jae feels hopeless after years of disappointmentf and chooses to end his life. But instead of dying, he meets Death in person, and she gives him a punishment. He must live through twelve different lives, each beginning at the moment of death. Sometimes he wakes up wealthy, sometimes poor. Some lives are peaceful while others are full of pain and violence. He keeps all his memories, and every time he dies, he is forced to start again in someone else’s body, while he learns more about life with each version of himself.

If you connected with the way Squid Game showed the emotional toll of living at the edge of society, Death’s Game brings a powerful new perspective. It takes one broken man and shows him how people at every level struggle to survive in an unfair world. Each life forces him to confront new fears and choices. Some test his morality. Others show him kindness he never expected. Like Squid Game, it looks closely at what desperation does to people and how even the smallest acts of strength can shift everything. It teaches him what it means to live and what makes a life worth living at all.

3) Bloodhounds (2023)

Bloodhounds follows two young boxers who meet in a tournament and quickly form a bond. Both are trying to escape poverty and help their families, but when they take out a loan from the wrong people, their lives spiral into a world of crime, fear, and brutal violence. Caught in the grip of dangerous loan sharks, they fight not just with their fists, but with everything they have to protect the people they love. Their strength is tested outside the ring, where the rules are cruel and no one plays fair.

Squid Game made us think about how money can be used to control and destroy; Bloodhounds feels just as real. This show looks at how quickly debt turns into danger and how systems built to support the powerful can crush those trying to do the right thing. Like the players in Squid Game, the two leads in Bloodhounds are not just fighting for themselves. They carry the weight of others on their backs, and their loyalty becomes a form of resistance. The action is intense, but what stays with you is the idea that even when everything is stacked against you, some people keep fighting because giving up is simply never an option.

4) All of Us Are Dead (2022)

All of Us Are Dead begins with an ordinary high school day that turns into a nightmare. A strange virus spreads through the classrooms and turns students and teachers into zombies within hours. The survivors are trapped inside the building, cut off from the outside world, with no help coming. As fear spreads just as fast as the infection, students must make impossible choices between loyalty and self-preservation.

If Squid Game left you thinking about what happens when systems stop protecting the most vulnerable, All of Us Are Dead will do the same. The school becomes a microcosm of a failed society, where only the rich and powerful remain protected while everyone else is left behind. Like in Squid Game, the characters face emotional and moral challenges as much as physical ones. Betrayal, guilt, and sacrifice play a huge role in each decision. The show portrays moments of real courage from teenagers who were never meant to fight for their lives.

5) Sweet Home (2020 – 2024) 

Sweet Home begins with a grieving and isolated Cha Hyun-su, who moves into an old apartment complex after losing his family. Soon after, strange things start happening. People begin turning into terrifying monsters that take shape based on their darkest desires and fears. As the outside world collapses, the residents are forced to stay inside, where survival becomes just as hard. Supplies run low, tempers rise, and no one can be sure who will transform next. With danger closing in from all sides, it becomes a test of humanity.

Similar to Squid Game, Sweet Home traps its characters in a confined space where survival depends not only on physical strength but on hard emotional choices. The real monsters are not just outside. They also live in the doubts, fears, and anger of the people inside. This show brings together strangers from different walks of life, and we watch how they respond when everything starts to fall apart. If you were drawn to Squid Game for how it showed society breaking down under pressure, Sweet Home offers that same intensity through horror, suspense, and raw emotion.

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6) Black Knight (2023)

Black Knight takes place in a future where pollution has made the air deadly, and clean oxygen is a rare resource controlled by the powerful. Most people are forced to live in restricted zones with barely enough to survive. A group of delivery drivers, known as “knights”, put their lives on the line to bring supplies to those who have been forgotten. One of them, known as 5-8, begins to uncover how the government and the wealthy are hiding the truth. As he learns more, he becomes a quiet threat to a system that protects the privileged and leaves everyone else behind.

If you connected with Gi-hun’s quiet strength in Squid Game, you will see something similar in 5-8. He is calm, kind, and thoughtful, but unwilling to ignore injustice. Black Knight shows how systems built by the elite are designed to keep others weak and dependent. The action is exciting, but what makes the show powerful is how ordinary people stand up to those in control. The divide between the privileged and the powerless becomes life or death, and how rebellion starts with just one person refusing to stay silent. Black Knight is a story of survival, justice, and hope, told through a lens that will feel familiar to anyone who saw Squid Game as more than just a game.

7) Dark Hole (2021)

In Dark Hole, mysterious black smoke rises from a sinkhole and turns people into violent, mutated creatures. As the infected attack anyone nearby, a former detective and a survivor must fight to stay alive in a ruined city. But the real danger is not just the monsters. It is also the fear and desperation among the uninfected who are trying to survive.

We see how quickly society can fall apart when people are pushed to the edge. There is a strong focus on power, and how people treat each other when survival becomes the only goal. Dark Hole goes beyond horror and explores deeper questions about trust, humanity, and the will to keep going when everything feels lost. If you liked Squid Game for its tense atmosphere and candid look at what people are capable of under pressure, Dark Hole brings those same feelings to life in a dark and dangerous setting.

8) Liar Game (2014)

Liar Game is about Nam Da-jung, a kind, honest young woman who gets tricked into joining a reality show where the goal is to win a large amount of money. But there is a catch. To win, you have to lie, cheat, and trick the other players. She doesn’t know how to play that kind of game, so she teams up with a former con artist who helps her stay in the competition. Each round has simple rules, but the pressure builds as players turn on each other to stay ahead.

If you liked Squid Game for its games and the way people had to choose between survival and doing the right thing, Liar Game has the same feeling. You will see how money can bring out the worst in people and how hard it is to stay honest when the rules reward you for being cruel. The main character wants to stay good in a system that is designed to break people. Liar Game is slower and quieter than Squid Game, but the tension and moral questions are just as real.

9) The 8 Show (2024)

The 8 Show is about eight strangers who agree to take part in what seems like a basic social experiment. They are locked inside a tall building and told they will earn money for every minute they stay. At first, the task feels simple. But as time goes on, the rules change. To earn real money, the contestants must argue, cause harm, or put themselves through emotional stress. The show rewards pain, conflict, and suffering. What starts off calm turns into something cruel, all for the sake of keeping the viewers entertained.

If you liked Squid Game for how it showed people trapped in a system that used them for profit, The 8 Show will feel very familiar. This show takes everyday people and places them in a controlled space where their pain is used for someone else’s gain. The characters are pushed to their limits by the pressure to earn money and be watched at all times. Just like in Squid Game, the ones with power stay hidden while others are forced to suffer for survival. The 8 Show takes a modern look at how people are treated when they have nothing to offer except their pain, and it asks the same hard questions about greed, control, and what it means to be human in a system that wants you to fall apart. 

10) Duty After School (2023)

Duty After School takes place in a world where strange alien creatures begin attacking Earth without warning. In response, the South Korean government pulls high school students from their classrooms, hands them weapons, and trains them for combat. As the stakes get higher, the students face death and the painful truth that they are being used as disposable tools in a war they never asked for.

The show looks at how power can take away choice, and how rules are often used to control rather than protect. The students must decide whether to follow orders or protect each other, even when both choices come with a cost. Like Squid Game, this drama asks what it means to survive in a world that does not value your life. But here, the story is told through teenagers who never got the chance to grow up before being sent to fight.

The post 10 Best K-Dramas to Binge After Finishing Squid Game Season 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Game on. Netflix has set the release date for Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 and given the green light to season 3. The streamer announced Thursday it has opened US and UK casting for the reality competition series inspired by Squid Game, in which 456 players put their skills to the ultimate test for a life-changing $4.56 million prize. Netflix’s biggest unscripted series ever returns on Nov. 4, months after the third and final season of creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s South Korean drama made history as the first show to debut at No. 1 in all countries in its premiere week.

Watch the just-released Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 teaser below.

In Squid Game: The Challenge season 2, players face off in grueling games pulled straight from the scripted series, build strategic alliances, and consider cutthroat betrayals, all for a chance to take home a whopping $4.56 million. Netflix is now accepting applicants for the just-announced Squid Game: The Challenge season 3 at the Cast It website.

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older, must be available to take part in the program for up to three weeks, must hold a valid passport for the whole period of filming, and must not be a current or former employee of Netflix or production companies Studio Lambert or The Garden, per the official rules. Netflix asks that applicants submit “a 1 minute video telling us about yourself, why you want to be on Squid Game: The Challenge, what your game plan would be and what you would do with a huge 4.56 million prize if you won.”

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Netflix is also recruiting the next wave of 456 players through the immersive Squid Game: The Experience, a ticketed, limited-time experience in New York and London. Winners at both locations will receive priority in the casting process for Squid Game: The Challenge season 3, but note that doesn’t guarantee they’ll be selected to participate in the show. Attendees will have access to the application process via social media and QR codes on site at The Experience starting July 17.

According to Netflix, approximately 81,000 people from around the world applied to be part of Squid Game: The Challenge season 1. 456 players were whittled down to one grand prize winner over the 10-episode season, which notched 224 million total hours watched in its first three weeks when it debuted in November 2023.

Also in the works at Netflix is David Fincher’s English-language Squid Game spinoff set in the US. Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 premieres Nov. 4.

The post Netflix’s Squid Game Spinoff Gets Exciting Update Ahead of New Season Premiere appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There’s one main question that Squid Game constantly dangled in order to bait viewers onto its hook: how well would I do in that game? Over three seasons, the Korean TV series took us into a dark world where childhood games were given life-or-death stakes for players to bet on, in hopes of walking away with a life-changing cash prize, at the expense of other people’s lives. The show was built upon elaborate set pieces that brought the death games to life, giving viewers intricate detail and insight into elements that shifted the outcomes of each game, and the fate of its players.

Today we will be ranking all 11 main games played across three seasons by how easy each one would be to win (or just survive). However, the scariest thing about Squid Game’s games is that they require a mix of various skills as well as some blind luck in order to prosper. In that sense, we can form our rankings based on analytics about winning/surviving, but obviously, there are cases where the luck of the draw (or major psychological twists) will shift the probabilities entirely

NOTE: These rankings are only for the main set of games played during Squid Game Seasons 1-3. The “interlude” games played between formal gaming events (like the “Lights Out” massacre in Season 1 or “Bathroom Brawl” in Season 2) were spontaneous events that don’t fit this list.

11) Tug of War

We’ve all played “Tug of War” before in school or camp, so we all know that it’s not a very hard game to win. You either need to have more brute strength or better physics strategies than the opposing team. Even Squid Game Season 1 went to great lengths to point out that Tug of War can even be won by the seemingly weakest of teams, if you know the right way to play. So in terms of surviving the games, this is probably your best chance.

10) Sugar Honeycombs

The cookie game is only ranked as being harder than Tug of War because it is an individual sport that incorporates a “luck of the draw” element. If you choose a cookie with a simple shape like a triangle or a circle, it’s pretty easy to win. However, as we saw in Squid Game Season 1, those with shapes like the star or (especially) the umbrella had a much lower survival rate. Still, if Player #456 (Song Gi-hun) could figure out that licking the cookie (no pun) was the secret to success, there’s a pretty good chance you could, too.

9) Marbles

Now we start to get into the psychological aspect of the games. The marble game played in Season 1’s “Gganbu” episode remains one of the most heartbreaking and affecting episodes of Squid Game for a good reason. In terms of gameplay, the ability to choose your format of game, and only having to beat one opponent seems easy compared to so many of the other games. However, the pre-game selection process was designed to incentivize players to pair with those they had strong bonds with, and therein lies the “difficulty” of the game: Overcoming the guilt of killing off someone you care about. As we saw in the show, pairing players who don’t have deep connections is even trickier, as both players risk mutual destruction trying to outmaneuver one another or manipulate the gameplay before time runs out. To win the marble game, you basically have to admit you’re a selfish opportunist at best, or a backstabbing POS, at worst. For some, that shame is a fate worse than death.

8) Red Light, Green Light

Again, mind-screws are just as much a part of the Squid Games as any physical challenge, and that is never more relevant than when playing the very first game, “Red Light, Green Light.” The familiar stop-and-go children’s game suddenly becomes a whole other experience when the very first bodies get dropped. The sudden realization that the games are lethal causes a panic that automatically spells doom for a statistical number of players (the panic-stricken type). However, as we saw in Season 2, having some foreknowledge of the games, or a guide there to help the players, exponentially shifts the survival odds. In the end, all you have to do is freeze when the robot says “Stop.” It’s that simple… if you can keep your wits about you.

7) Squid Game

It’s a 1 vs. 1 final game: the most brutal part is just getting there. However, once you do, there is only one thing needed to win the final rounds of Squid Game: having more grit than your opponent. Every kind of player carries both strengths that need to be overcome and weaknesses that can be exploited by their opponent. Quickness and agility and overcome size and strength; strength, brute force, and ruthlessness can end the game just as quickly. Like the marbles game, the true “pain” of playing Squid Game is tapping into a savagery toward your fellow human being that can never be denied afterward.

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6) Six-Legged Pentathlon

Ostensibly, this seems like one of the easier games to win, given what we see onscreen. However, the twist in this pentathlon is that you are forced to rely on your fellow teammates in order to survive. And that is a very tall order, given the high stakes. It can be as simple as correctly identifying which team members can accomplish which activities required of the race; it can be a doomed endeavor from the start if that very same process isn’t done correctly, or honestly. That lands the pentathlon in the middle of our rankings.

5) Mingle

Math is hard to do on the fly for just about anyone who isn’t a mathematician or avid gambler; working out those same calculations in tandem with others when your life is on the line is a whole different level of calculus. Mingle is low-key the most demanding mix of physical effort and psychological resolve required of players. The game forced those who thought they were close or had formed seemingly solid alliances to make split-second decisions on how to divide their ranks and whose survival they were really invested in. Like the pentathlon, this game requires equal levels of prowess and participation from your teammates (whoever they end up being each round), which instantly ups the difficulty of winning, unless you have 2 to 3 good people you’re sure you can rely on.

4) Sky Squid Game

Squid Game Season 3 tried to take things full circle back to Season 1 by making the final game a version of Squid Game on steroids. The “Sky Squid Game” turned the iconic shapes of the Korean game (circle, square, and triangle) and turned them into high-rise platforms of doom and human dysfunction. The game makers poison the well with hope: every player except three unlucky souls can survive the platforms and walk away with prize money. Except that process taps into a fundamental philosophical quandary humans have wrestled with for years: how do you choose the few that must be sacrificed to save the many? Squid Game 3 goes to great (divisive) lengths to argue that humanity is at a point where figuring out that answer with any kind of civility is all but impossible. And while it was depressing to watch, we’re not sure we can argue the deeper point. This game would definitely get ugly, and even if you start out thinking your chances are good, the nature of human relations would probably see your fate change, unexpectedly.

3) Hide and Seek

Squid Game Season 3 made it clear just why its version of “Hide and Seek” is actually hard to win: because the whole thing just gets so messy. Figuring out the teams is complicated enough, psychologically (bloodthirsty or violent people end up on both sides), and the mechanics of the game are so wild and unpredictable that it just all becomes a series of gang wars and duels to see who comes out alive. This game, arguably more so than any other, favors the ruthless and the selfish types. If you don’t have that killer instinct (or some very good ninja skills), you’re probably not going to make it.

2) Jump Rope

Jump Rope immediately establishes itself as one of the games designed to get rid of a large swatch of players, at once. First, you have to be up for the significant physical challenge of successfully jumping the rope while maintaining balance on the bridge, all while grappling with the psychological challenge of fighting sheer terror. As the episode of Squid Game 3 also revealed: any player can decide to bend the rules and start killing off their fellow players while crossing, or players can become panicked or entagled once the crossing line gets too bunched. This is a game where the odds are only in your favor if you are brave enough to go first – and even then, all it takes is one missed jump, and your life is over.

1) Glass Stepping Stones

This is the game that cemented Squid Game Season 1 as a phenomenon – and left the vast majority of viewers with serious PTSD from imagining this scenario. “Glass Stepping Stones” drags the worst aspects of the Squid Games to the forefront: there is no strategy or skill beyond playing the odds (going last gives the greatest chance of success), and even that order selection is done without the players knowing the grave significance of the choice. By the time you step out onto the bridge, it’s just choice and fate staring back at you. That dread leads to all kinds of desperation and chaos, including the overwhelming incentive for players to sacrifice one another as a means of figuring out the safe path forward through the process of elimination (quite literally). There is no game in Squid Game harder to survive, which is why only three players made it out alive – and even then, one got fatally injured even after she crossed the finish line (Player #067, Kang Sae-byeok). Name a game that is harsher to survive than that. Good luck.

Squid Game Seasons 1-3 are streaming on Netflix.

The post Every Game in Squid Game Ranked by How Easy It Is appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The third and final season of Squid Game has shattered a major Netflix viewership record, pulling in an unprecedented 106.3 million views in its first 10 days of release. The monumental launch for Squid Game 3, which premiered on June 27th, makes it the most-viewed Netflix series ever within this timeframe, reaffirming the franchise’s status as a global television phenomenon. The concluding chapter brings the story of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) to its definitive end, following his re-entry into the competition after a failed rebellion in the second season. While divisive, Squid Game‘s dark finale cemented the series’ brutally honest critique of capitalism and social inequality, providing a conclusive end to its central storyline.

Squid Game 3‘s debut was already powerful enough to place it at number three on Netflix’s list of Most Popular non-English TV shows of all time. Its arrival meant that the Squid Game franchise now holds all three top spots on Netflix’s all-time views chart, with the first season remaining at number one (265.2 million views) and the second season holding the number two position (192.6 million views). While the record set by the first season remains a towering achievement, Squid Game 3 has a clear path to continue climbing the ranks. Netflix measures viewership for its Most Popular list over a 91-day window, giving the final season ample opportunity to surpass the 192.6 million views of its predecessor and claim the number two all-time spot.

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The launch of Squid Game 3 triggered a significant surge in viewership for the earlier seasons, driving them back into the weekly Top 10 as audiences prepared for the finale, further proving the property’s sustained value to the streaming service. The definitive conclusion of the original Korean saga has equally set up Netflix’s next phase of the franchise, a highly anticipated American series from acclaimed director David Fincher. 

Squid Game 3 Sets Up David Fincher’s Rumored US Series

For years, an American version of Squid Game has been one of the most talked-about projects in development at Netflix, with reports of a new series circulating long before the Korean original had concluded. Last we heard of it, Netflix had designated the project as a high priority for the company, and acclaimed director David Fincher is attached to helm the series. However, there has been chatter about creative friction between Fincher and Netflix executives over key details, including the official title for the American show. Throughout this period of rumor and development, the franchise’s original creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has consistently confirmed that he would not be involved in any US-based production, maintaining that his story was finished with the original series.

Warning: Spoilers for Squid Game 3! The finale of Squid Game 3 all but confirmed the American series is coming. The episode ends with a direct narrative setup, featuring a significant cameo from Cate Blanchett as a high-level American recruiter for the games, seen scouting new participants in Los Angeles. This scene decisively positions the upcoming Fincher-directed project as a sequel or in-universe expansion rather than a remake, which raises some questions about the Squid Game universe. Still, the cameo confirms that the new series will follow a new story and new characters, expanding the lore of the franchise instead of retelling it.

All three seasons of Squid Game are now streaming on Netflix.

What are you hoping to see in a version of the games set in the United States? Let us know in the comments.

The post Squid Game 3 Breaks a Mind-Blowing Netflix Record appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game (the Korean-language version) has completed its three-season run on Netflix. The series has been one of the most transformative shows of the 2020s. First springing up during the COVID-19 pandemic era (2021) and becoming an international hit, Squid Game forced viewers to pause and consider greed’s erosion of human empathy, even as they themselves were thrilled and morbidly delighted watching games of death being played by desperate characters.

However, time and circumstances change perspective. Squid Game 2 and Squid Game 3 arrived in 2024 and 2025, respectively, and the series just couldn’t be taken the same way. Lockdowns and pandemic paranoia were over; economic strife and dog-eat-dog mentality was on the uptick, and Squid Game itself had gone from foreign-language dark horse hit to a full-blown capitalist’s dream of a franchise for Netflix.

Fans haven’t been subtle in criticizing Squid Game Season 2 and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s self-winking attempts to deal with the conflict between the show’s themes and its popularity. Meanwhile, final opinions about Season 3 are still taking shape (at the time of writing this), but reveal their own share of criticisms.

So how to rank the three seasons of Squid Game? While the final list may not be surprising, we’d like to do a deeper dive into why each season is placed where it is.

3) Squid Game 2

Squid Game Season 2 is one of the most egregious “sophomore slump” dips we’ve ever seen in a major TV show. The season (and its creators) make just about every conceivable mistake there is to make. It started at a snail’s pace, taking multiple episodes to take us back to the actual games; it tried to spread the focus over a larger cast of characters, while failing to make many of them resonate; it did direct repetitions of the first season (like the infamous “Red Light, Green Light” game), didn’t offer the same epic level of death game set pieces as Sesaon 1; the best character (Thanos the rapper) got killed off way too soon; the “twists” were predictable (if not telegraphed) and ultimately the climactic act (a short-lived revolution among the players) was underwhelming.

Worst of all, Squid Game‘s second season was labeled as “2”when really it was one of Netflix’s trademark “Part 1” storytelling formats, offering viewers a half-finished story arc that “Season 3” would pick up on immediately and conclude. After seeing part 3, it’s like even the show’s creators wanted to forget Season 2 even happened. We know the feeling.

2) Squid Game 3

Squid Game 3, to the show’s credit, manages to end things on a better note. While Season 2 felt like it was meandering in terms of characters, focus, and thematic arc, Season 3 manages to wrangle each of those aspects of the show well enough to make it feel like a fittingly epic (if depressing) conclusion.

The games were once again on the scale fans expected from the show, while the moral and ethical quandaries that were part of Season 2’s games were better balanced with he action, drama, and bloody stakes needed to keep you on the edge of your seat. The draw back of Season 3 is that, by the final games, there’s virtually no one left to root for, outside of Player #456 (Lee Jung-jae), as the remaining characters in the show (even the seemingly “good ones”) sink to places of such great despair and/or compromise that it’s hard to feel like the show has a single hopeful bone left in its body. Squid Game 3 doesn’t believe that humanity is good (outside of the occasional Christ-like martyr), or that real change can be achieved, rather than societal dysfunction becoming a franchised commodity.

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1 ) Squid Game

The first season is still indisputedly the best of them – and arguably the only one that should’ve been made. Squid Game was such a succinctly brutal-yet-profoundly-entertaining modern vision of concepts like The Hunger Games or Battle Royale, while being one of the biggest ambassadors for mainstream English-language audiences of the streaming era jumping into Korean-language TV series and movies, and beyond (Japanese and Hong Kong cinema, etc.).

Cultural impact aside, Squid Game was simply a great and straightforward example of a show concept being executed well. The episodes and storytelling were perfectly paced; there were several talented actors who created memorable characters, while core thematic and character arcs took Player #456 all the way from a selfish, greedy, lowlife, to an impassioned humanitarian forever scarred by all the horror it took to earn his wealth (down to symbolically murdering his own childhood and innocence). The final act twist was also one for the ages, while the epilogue with its final “game”of testing human beings’ empathy for one another (or lack thereof) and things on a swelling note of hope. It was a simpler show, for a simpler time, and like the chidrens’ games themselves, it was more innocent and carefree enjoyment.

Honorable Mention: The Challenge

It’s a reality show, so it belongs in a whole separate category. But honestly? Some people may argue that watching Squid Game: The Challenge is more enjoyable than one (if not both) of the final two seasons of the actual show.

The Challenge smartly knows that it can’t offer the brutal, life-or-death stakes of the dramatic series. Instead, it leans into the social politics, ethical dilemmas and player drama, creating alternating moments of alliance and/or backstabbing that then set the emotional “stakes” for each game’s outcome, and each subsequent player elimination. Some of the remixed games (like a life-sized Battleship game board) are truly inspired ideas we wouldn’t mind seeing in the US version of the dramatic series; The Challenge also gave reality TV some fun new stars (Bryton), and Netflix hasn’t missed out on using them in other shows.

Squid Game is now streaming all seasons on Netflix. An American version of the series is in development.

The post All 3 Seasons Of Squid Game Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Squid Game has officially ended with its third season but many fans of the Netflix death game are wondering if this will truly be the grand finale for the deadly childhood activities that took the world by storm. In the final moments of the last installment, viewers witness that despite the fact that many characters have permanently been taken off the playing field, there might be something brewing in a far away land. Luckily, Squid Game’s creator was more than willing to discuss both the controversial ending and what he had originally planned for the series finale.

Warning. If you have yet to see the grand finale to Squid Game, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into serious spoiler territory. One of the last scenes featured in Squid Game’s final episode is seeing that the deadly games have continued across the seas as none other than actress Cate Blanchet, obviously not playing herself, was recruiting someone new to the games. In chatting with THR, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed that he had originally thought of a different finale for the series, stating,

“I don’t know if I can call it an original ending, but in the beginning I had a vague idea about how I would end the story. And back then, it was having Gi-hun end the game, in one way or another, and leave alive and go see his daughter in America. So originally, I thought the person who witnesses the American recruiter woman would be Gi-hun. But as I began writing the story, and as I began to think more and more about, “What do I want to deliver with the ending of this story?” And also, “What should Gi-hun’s journey and what should his destination be?” I was witnessing more and more what was happening around the world and 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.”

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Will Squid Game Continue?

Extrapolating on his thoughts, Dong-hyuk explained that the open-ended finale wasn’t meant to lead directly into a new spin-off, “I didn’t end it on that note in order to deliberately leave room for further stories to happen. Gi-hun and Front Man, through these characters, the Games in Korea have ended. And because this story started out with me wanting to tackle issues about the limitless competition and the system that’s created in late capitalism, 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. And I wrote that scene wanting an impactful ending for the show, not in order to open rooms for anything else.”

Want to see if we return to this life-or-death world? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Squid Game and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via THR

The post Squid Game Creator Talks American Spin-Off, Alternate Ending appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Korean version of Squid Game has ended its run on Netflix after three seasons. But that’s not the end for the franchise: Squid Game has blossomed into an entire multimedia franchise, with the Korean TV series already having been adapted into a hit reality series (Squid Game: The Challenge). There are also real-life Squid Game interactive events and video games on the way, and Netflix is currently developing an American remake of Squid Game, which is being overseen by Oscar-winning director David Fincher (The Game, Se7en, Fight Club).

The title “Squid Game” reflects the Korean cultural touches embedded in the series; it’s logical to expect the US version to follow suit, meaning Fincher and co. need to highlight childhood games and shared cultural touchstones that are uniquely American. To achieve that goal, we’ve a list of childhood games that are part of most American childhoods, which could be spun into some twisted live-or-death challenges in the Squid Game remake.

7) Dodgeball

Every kid remembers the class tension of having to stand on line and face their fellow students and/or campers in a game of dodgeball. The vicious and predatory nature of the game allowed kids to burn off excess energy and anger, with adults more often than not using it to work out group tensions and settle grievances. That’s all to say: dodgeball is as much a psychological challenge as it is a physical one: a combination of qualities that make it perfect for Squid Game.

RULES: Two teams are split into two zones, divided by a central line. Players must throw balls at the opposing team’s zone, hoping to make contact with opposing players through bonces or direct hits. If a player is hit by the ball, they are eliminated; if they catch the ball before it bounces, the player who threw it is eliminated. The game is played until one team is eliminated entirely.

There could be any number of ways to make dodgeball lethal: players trying to knock each other off some kind of platform; turning the balls into some kind of lethal weapons, etc. The combination of team strategy and individual performance would make for a very thrilling and dramatic episode, as would the defensive moves in the game (catching, deflecting) that can cause fortunes to suddenly shift on a dime. If a beloved comedy movie can be mined from this game, a great episode of Squid Game should be easy.

6) Four Square

Four Square is actually a game with a long global history, dating as far back as the 12th century in France. However, American kids (particularly city kids) grew up with Four Square being a regular go-to game, as all it required was chalk, a bouncing ball, the street, and at least four players. It’s a game that, in many ways, can be seen as a metaphor for the socio-economic experience of living in urban America.

RULES: A large square is divided into four smaller squares (numbered 1-4), with each player occupying a square. The game objective is simple: bounce the ball into another player’s square, while that player must then bounce it into another’s square, before the ball bounces more than once in theirs. If a player misses the ball or allows too many bounces, they’re out, and their square is filled by a player moving up from the lower numbers, or a new player entering at square no. 1.

It’s easy to see how Four Square would be a great choice for Squid Game. The game would force players to specifically target other players, bringing all underlying tensions and deceptions to the surface. It could be the equivalent of the original show’s “marble game” episode, as groups of players who thought they were close must make hard choices about who (if anyone) they’re really loyal to, with betrayals popping off everywhere.

5) Hopscotch

This one could be the closest tie between the original Squid Game and the US version. In Episode 7, “VIPs”, the original show introduced one of its most frightening games: a giant glass bridge peppered with a combination of breakable and unbreakable glass platforms. Well, that concept is easy to re-fit into a version of Hopscotch for the US remake.

RULES: Players toss a marker onto a numbered grid. They then must retrieve the marker by hopping through the grid and placing their feet (one or two at a time) in each set of squares on the grid without touching lines or losing balance. A player must retrieve their marker on the return trip from the end of the grid, back to the starting point.

The Squid Game version of hopscotch would turn the game of tossing out a marker (or “lagger”) and hopping through numbered blocks into a life-or-death gamble. Some squares would hide brutal traps for those who aren’t nimble and quick-footed enough, transforming hopscotch into a chilling pathway of doom.

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4) Seesaw

Squid Game had a key motif where democracy was put to the test, letting the players cast pivotal votes in or before each game. The US version of Squid Game certainly needs to examine the state of democracy (vs ideas like capitalism and autocracy), and Seesaw would be the perfect metaphor for doing that, while dealing a game-changing blow to the players.

RULES: Seesaw is a board balanced on a beam or wedge. Riders sit on each end of the beam and use the weight balance to thrust one person into the air, while the other is lowered to the ground in order to load their legs for the next jump.

The Squid Game version is easty to envision: all of the players are positioned in the middle of a giant seesaw, but the safety points are gradually taken away, as they are all forced to choose one side of the seesaw or the other – with each side only able to fit about 75% of players, whose combined weight lowers them down to safety, leaving the other 25% raised in the air, where some horrible device (giant pendulum blade or fan?) will slaughter them.

The kicker? Most of the “game” would be a congressional-style debate between the players about standing on one side of the seesaw or the other, forcing them to group themselves based on any number of personal, political, or spiritual factors. A simple playground ride would suddenly become a deep metaphor for the current division in American society.

3) Uno

Squid Game had a combination of physically challenging games and smaller strategy games, where athletically disadvantaged players could still thrive. Uno is one of the first card-based games that American kids learn to play, and offers a combination of luck and strategy that would be great for Squid Game.

RULES: Players engage in a card game using a deck in which each card carries a number and a color, with specialty action cards mixed into the deck. Each round, players must try to get rid of their cards by matching either the color or number of the top card within the pot of cards players are dropping, while action cards (“reverse,” “pick two” etc.) can shake up the rotation and gameplay in very unexpected ways. The first player to successfully get rid of all their cards (while making the crucial call of “Uno!” when holding the last card) wins.

Like other games on this list, Uno allows players to form alliances and target other players, or allows a player to quite literally hold cards close to their chest until the most surprising and opportune moment to strike. Luck becomes a factor, as players must draw from a deck that can deliver unpredictable twists of fortune. A setup where groups of four players can only result in one winner immediately creates the kind of episode stakes that viewers won’t be able to turn away from. You’ll never play a game of Uno the same way again afterward.

2) Battleship

The reality show Squid Game: The Challenge flipped the script by introducing new game concepts, and one of them was a human-sized version of the iconic board game, Battleship.

RULES: Players sit on opposite sides of a board divided by a wall. Each player arranges their naval fleet on the “ocean” of their game grid, which is organized into square sections labeled by a letter and number (G1, E3, F6, etc.). Players take turns calling out “artillery strikes” on a specific square of the opponent’s grid, hoping for a “hit.” The opponent confirms that a hit was either made or not made, allowing the shooter to mark their board with another data point about where enemy ships are, or are not, located. The first player to successfully sink all enemy ships (including the crucial battleship) wins.

It would be a great Easter egg nod to Squid Game: The Challenge to have the US version of Squid Game introduce a lethal version of Battleship as part of its games. The production value of having players on a mini-ocean, aboard mini-warships, blindly firing real ordinance at an opposing team’s boats would be epic. Done right, it could also be a powerful commentary on the ethics of military service and having to bravely perform duty in the face of peril.

1) Mouse Trap

Mouse Trap is a board game developed in the 1960s and is a major staple of many kids’ first experiences with tabletop gaming.

RULES: The game is especially unique in that it first requires players to work together, building an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine that performs various kooky steps of moving a marble ball around. Eventually, the players compete as “mice,” each seeking the prize of a cheese wedge, while using the machine to try and catch their opponents in various “traps” triggered by the machine, thereby eliminating them from the game.

For Squid Game, the game of Mouse Trap could be the American version’s ‘cookie episode,’ or the more recent “Hide and Seek” game from Season 3. That’s to say: one team of players would have to work together to build traps, hoping to catch or kill the opposition, while the “mice” would then have to survive a gauntlet of traps and make it to the end of the game board. If the showrunners capture the Rube Goldberg machine element of how the traps are sprung, it turns a Squid Game version of Mouse Trap into a lethal obstacle course race, where the mice have to dodge each subsequent trap, while the “catchers” would be desperately devising and revising ways to stop them. It would be thrilling on a whole other level.

Squid Game is streaming on Netflix.

The post 7 Games We Need to See in Squid Game’s American Version appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game Season 3 is breaking viewership records during its first week of release. With many planned spinoffs on the way, this widely loved Netflix show is as big as it’s ever been. The idea of multiple shows based on this creative universe sounds like a good idea at first, but Seasons 2 and 3 have left a lot of doubt on how well Netflix will execute them. Although the last two seasons of Squid Game were some of the best-performing seasons on Netflix’s site, they failed to capture what made season 1 so great. From repeating plot points to lackluster character development, Seasons 2 and 3 lacked the strong voice of the first season.

Most of the stellar production elements were there, such as the playful score and incredible set designs, but seasons 2 and 3 failed at arguably the most important aspect of a television show: the script.

Netflix Had No Clue Where to Go After Squid Game 1

Squid Game Season 1 was the surprise hit that Netflix didn’t see coming. After becoming their most-watched show, it was unclear if the series would continue, even though the ending teased another season. From how seasons 2 and 3 unfolded, it was clear that the writers were also unsure if more seasons would follow. Season 2 felt like the writers had no idea where to take the story, instead repeating similar plot beats of the first season. Although some aspects teased in Season 1 pay off in Seasons 2 and 3, it is mostly recycled material.

One of the strongest aspects of Squid Game Season 1 was the characters. The show made it easy to fall in love with the contestants, creating a more emotional experience. While some of the characters in seasons 2 and 3 have compelling backstories, they lack the charm and emotion needed for a compelling season. The one standout character, Thanos, is killed way too soon, making Season 3 a significantly less interesting season compared to what came before it.

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The addition of the Front Man into the games in season 2 made for one of the series’ most interesting twists, but sadly, the show wastes all of its potential. Instead of incorporating ideas of wealth and greed into his character’s progression, the show discards the plotline at the end of Season 2 and acts as if it never happened. Even though the Squid Game had a great early twist, it had no clue what it wanted to do with it beyond the initial shock factor.

Season 3 Ends the Show With a Massive Dud

Easily one of the worst aspects of Seasons 2 and 3 of Squid Game is the fact that they were split into separate seasons. There is clearly one overarching story between the seasons, with Season 2’s ending wrapping up nothing in the story. By the time Season 3 came around, a lot of the hype had died down because of Season 2’s inconclusive and disappointing end. It would be more understandable to split up the seasons if it made sense for the story, but it was clear that Netflix split up the season solely to increase viewership.

Season 3 had a worse selection of characters than Season 2. With most of the likable characters dead and Gi-Hun going full-bore, it made it extremely difficult to care about who lived and who died. Even the mother-son dynamic, which was one of the more emotional aspects of Season 2, felt contrived and uninspired this time around. Season 3 was easily the laziest season of the show so far, and the character work is one of the main reasons why.

The release of Season 3 was strange, even outside the frustrating “second part of one season” gimmick. From the promotional material, it felt like Netflix didn’t care that one of their most popular shows was releasing its final season. This was also seen in the show itself, as the finale felt extremely rushed and lacked satisfaction. Instead of fulfilling character arcs, the show prioritized the shock factor. The darker ending brought a different side to the show, but overall, it was overshadowed by how poorly it handled everything else. It almost felt that the showrunners were trying to rush into the American spin-off series instead of fulfilling what they had already introduced.

Although Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3 offered entertainment value with new games and further explored the human condition story, they didn’t introduce anything that Season 1 hadn’t already established. From a lack of compelling characters to a horrific release strategy, so much of the last two seasons fell flat. For a show that took the world by storm due to its creativity and the stamp it put on modern culture, it’s sad to see Squid Game go out on such a dire note.

Squid Game Season 3 is streaming all episodes on Netflix.

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One surprising Netflix series has broken a major record with the streaming service with the debut of its final season this week, and fans have been divided over whether or not it had a good finale. Netflix shows often find themselves in the crosshairs of fans as not only are there usually years long waits in between new batches of episodes, but fans often check them out over the course of a single weekend (sometimes even the very first night) due to how much they’ve been anticipating seeing what’s next. That’s especially true for shows that are reaching their ends.

That was the case for Squid Game as not only did its first season go on to runaway success when it first made its debut with Netflix four years ago, but the second season was seemingly even more popular as it broke the records set by that first season. Now that record breaking streak has continued with Squid Game Season 3 in a surprising way as it has broken an entirely different kind of streaming record with Netflix. It’s their first show to ever debut at #1 in every single country.

Squid Game Season 3 Breaks New Record With Netflix

Netflix has officially announced that Squid Game Season 3 is now the #1 TV Show in the world, but also the very first show to debut in that top spot in every single country. This goes to show just how massively popular of a series it’s become with the streamer since it began four years ago, but the debate over the success of its final two seasons is still ongoing among fans. Because while fans around the world might have flocked to the new season as soon as it premiered, its actual story has seemed to spark a divide over whether or not it actually worked.

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Squid Game Finale Brings Season 2’s Best Character Back From the Dead

Despite its Rotten Tomatoes score being immediately better received than the second season among critics, the wider public at large have had some concerns over whether or not it has stuck its landing. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk warned fans that the series wouldn’t have a happy ending, and even series star Lee Jung-jae noted how nervous he was for how fans would receive cede ending. Those worries ended up being very prescient as Squid Game fans continue to discuss the now controversial ending to the massively popular series.

What’s Next for Squid Game?

Squid Game might have ended its story after three seasons, but it’s far from the end of the franchise. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously teased that Netflix would likely find a way to continue Squid Game following the end of his story (after seemingly bringing the creator back to write two more seasons he had to quickly figure out a story for), and the potential path has opened itself with the final season. Because there’s a particular scene that plants the seeds for a full English language remake of the series set in the United states, and that’s likely already in the works.

Reports have been popping up in the last few years about a new English language take on Squid Game with famed director David Fincher set to oversee the project, and now it seems like the series is gearing up for this next phase of the franchise. Despite its central messaging of how capitalism eventually crushes all those who try and fight against it, it’s become a huge hit that fans can’t wait to see more of. And after breaking a record like this, there’s undoubtedly going to be more of Squid Game in the future.

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Squid Game has now ended its run with Netflix four years after it first began, and the final season found a way to bring one character back from the dead with a return of a first season fan favorite in the final episodes. Squid Game’s final season picked up right from where the second season left off as Gi-Hun had failed at trying to stop the games completely with his rebellion. It left him in a state of hopelessness and despair as Gi-Hun has since run out of options. This meant that during the final season, fans saw a much different version of the character seen before.

Gi-Hun had been making choices that earlier versions of himself would never make, and it caught a lot of fans by surprise with how far he had fallen following the end of that second season. Closed off from all those around him, Gi-Hun started to fully dive into his need to kill others in order to make it through the games alive like he had did the first time around. And he almost went too far before it all ended. That was until he was briefly visited by the former Player 067, Kang Sae-byeok (played by a returning HoYeon Jung.

Squid Game Brings Back One Major Fan Favorite

Squid Game Season 3’s final game took place after a fancy meal for the final surviving contestants much like seen with the first season of the series. There was quite a bit of difference this time around, however, as not only did more players survive until this final round, but they were clearly antagonistic towards Gi-Hun and the newly born baby Jun-hee had to leave behind. Ahead of the final game, the Front Man reaches out to Gi-Hun in an attempt to help him and the baby survive the grand finale.

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Offering him a knife and telling Gi-Hun to kill all of the others in their sleep, the Front Man tries to give Gi-Un a chance to live. It’s in a rather twisted fashion, but it’s not so different from the way Gi-Hun had been acting until this point of the season. Which meant that Gi-Hun himself was considering going through with the idea and nearly stabs them. That is until he sees a vision of Player 067 urging him to stop, and this wasn’t who he was. Which helps him snap out of his funk and continue towards the final game.

What This Return Means for Squid Game

Squid Game‘s final season had a lot of moments like this where previously dead characters had been brought back through visions. It’s seen again in a drug induced set of hallucinations, so it’s not like it breaks the reality of the series. But at the same time, it’s a bit odd either way. It’s seeing this character once more that helps Gi-Hun remember that he’s not truly a ruthless killer, but that’s also after he ruthlessly killed someone to make it through to the final games.

It was a clash of identity that Gi-Hun had been facing through the final season as a whole as the games really made sure to stomp out the last bits of humanity. But with Gi-Hun having this flashback to an earlier version of himself, it also helps to send him on the path to his own ending. After everything he’s done there’s only one way it could end for him, so this moment (while odd within the grounded reality of the series) ends up playing a huge role in bringing Gi-Hun’s story to a proper ending overall.

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Squid Game has now come to an end with Netflix four years and three seasons after it made its debut, but it already makes no sense with how it’s approaching its American version so far. Squid Game as a franchise has been such a massive hit with Netflix that the only one who was really surprised to see it picked up for more seasons after the debut was its original creator. Although Hwang Dong-hyuk on multiple occasions revealed how tough it was just to make the original story happen, there’s been so much demand for Squid Game to continue with or without him.

Squid Game has gone far beyond its original first season to release two more seasons with Netflix, a reality game show competition, multiple video game cameos, and much more in the years since its debut. It also seems like an English language version of Squid Game is now in the works as following reports of a new series from David Fincher, a massive cameo in Squid Game‘s final season has sparked an new wave of American games. But it already got off to a very weird start with how it’s doing things.

Squid Game Might Not Work in America

In the final episode of Squid Game Season 3, it’s revealed that a recruiter (complete with a wild Hollywood star cameo) is playing the same Ddakji game with a person in Los Angeles that Seong Hi-Hun and the others played all those years ago. This has not been fully confirmed to be a tie in to the eventual English language version of the series now in the works, but it’s the best start to the American spinoff yet. But at the same time, this is a weird place to come from as it’s not a game that’s really played in the United States. So it’d be weird for the recruiter to use the same game to draw people in.

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Part of the appeal of Squid Game itself is the fact it takes Korean children’s games and turns them into deadly fights for your life. It’s the juxtaposition of young innocence clashing with the harsh realities of adult life, and in that way the Korean drama series has been able to reach a worldwide audience. But although its themes draw upon the humanity of any kind of viewer, there’s still a very wide cultural divide in the games seen in Squid Game itself. Even its title is a game that not many American kids have ever played. So an English language version will need to adapt it to more Western sensibilities in order to stand out further from the original.

Will There Be An American Squid Game?

Reports of an English language version of Squid Game have been sprouting for the last couple of years, but seemed to reach a new level of potentially happening last Fall when it was reported that David Fincher (Gone Girl, Fight Club) was slated to begin working on the American version of the series as soon as this year. It’s yet to be fully confirmed to be in the works, but even original franchise creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has noted how the franchise is likely going to continue following the end of Gi-Hun’s story. This is likely one of those ways.

But much of the appeal of Squid Game will be lost when it’s adapted for an English language audience. The culture of the show is going to change, and much of its symbolism and visual presentations will need to change in order to account for the shift in players. Characters will need to be familiar with the games present in the new series, which means that the central “Squid Game” motif itself can’t even really be a factor in the new one. While some kids might have played these games, it’s just not a universally shared thing in America.

Much like how Squid Game: The Challenge (which is still in the works on Season 2) had to adapt many of the games to be less deadly, it also made changes to the games present to better fit an American audience. The reality show used board games like Battleship and chance games like Rock, Paper, Scissors, and that’s likely going to be the case for this new version as well. Which goes back around to highlighting that Ddakji is an odd game for the recruiter to play with an American player. It’s just not something that American would be familiar with enough to agree to play for any kind of money.

Unfortunately while this means that an American remake of Squid Game would lose what makes the original so special in all of these changes for a new culture, that’s kind of the risk they’re taking with that endeavor in the first place.

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Squid Game has come to an end with Netflix after three seasons and four years, and the final season of the series can’t help but highlight one of the biggest problems now facing television shows today. Television is still considering one of the biggest entertainment mediums around, but the shape of what television has become is much different than has been seen in the past. Thanks to streaming platforms changing television from its traditional definition, the way fans have come to watch television shows has changed dramatically in the past decade plus. Which has also come to impact how shows are released.

Squid Game Season 3 for all of its pros and cons, unfortunately falls into the same pit that many streaming juggernauts have over the last few years. It’s a problem that’s not exclusive to television shows either, but reflects a major shift in storytelling and how it’s delivered. Because for as much as Squid Game Season 3 wants to be treated like an entire new season of television, it can’t help but escape the fact that it really is a story that had been split in half unnaturally. Because of that split, Squid Game‘s finale just doesn’t hit as hard as it should.

Television Doesn’t Hit the Same Way Anymore

When streaming platforms like Netflix started producing their own content for viewing, it immediately changed how these stories were watched. Shifting over from the old broadcast format of offering 22 episode seasons airing weekly over several months, instead the new model trained fans to expect a new season of a series to be released all at once. There would be eight to ten episodes offered for a season, and fans would get to watch it all over the course of a weekend (sometimes even over a single evening). But this model soon revealed its own issues.

Successful shows needed to catch on with fans basically the day they released lest they be cancelled, and even if a show found success it would take many years to follow it up with more. Squid Game, for example, premiered back in 2021 but didn’t come back for Season 2 until late 2024. The cracks in this format really started to show with Squid Game as well as not only was series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk open about how long the series took to get made, but even more so about the fact that he made the new seasons for money. Stating “Money…Even though the first series was such a huge global success, honestly I didn’t make much…” was the reason he returned in an interview with the BBC.

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The long in the works new season coupled with Hwang’s openness about not really having an idea for future episodes in mind before their production was a cloud hanging over Squid Game Season 2, and even more so in the third season. When Squid Game‘s second season came to an end with a cliffhanger right in the middle of the story, it seemed like an egregious and unnatural extension of the series put there by someone other than the creator himself. Which also meant there would be a bigger burden put on the finale to somehow stick the landing despite it all. Which, once again, is a unique problem that streaming has forced onto television shows.

Squid Game’s Final Season Never Stood a Chance

Increased budgets, longer production periods, and higher demands have put streaming shows into a unique kind of situation. Each new season needs to be bigger than the last in order to compensate for the long wait in between new episodes, and that wait seems even longer when you’re able to watch it in a single evening. This demand gets even bigger with huge franchises like Squid Game, and it’s why some shows even go as far as releasing in multiple parts.

Rather than have a complete season airing on a weekly basis, some shows instead vouch to release a couple of episodes at once before then releasing the next half later. When you add all of these elements at once, it’s a longer wait in between new seasons that run for much less time. Then sometimes you only get half the story. That’s what it felt like at the end of Squid Game Season 2, and that completely deflated the potential hype for Squid Game’s finale. Instead of opting to end it all with one very compelling season, it’s instead broken into two solid but not as thrilling halves.

The third season is six episodes, and doesn’t really feel like a full season of television. “Season” used to mean a serialized story would bring fans from its beginning to its end while laying the groundwork for the overall series, but now it’s changed to mean telling half of a story. That’s just something that has been an issue with television shows now, and unfortunately doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon.

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Squid Game has officially come to an end after four years and three seasons with Netflix, but the final season found a creative way to bring Season 2’s biggest standout back from the dead before it was all over. Squid Game returned for Season 2 of the highly anticipated series last year, and quickly took over Netflix just as much as the first season did. This new season introduced Seong Gi-Hun to a new series of games, and a new cast of players who needed to survive. But the biggest standout was the wild drug using rapper named after a Marvel character, Thanos.

Squid Game Season 2 really took over the world with Thanos as fans got to love the character despite the fact he didn’t make it out of the season unscathed. This had seemed like it meant that the character would not be making a comeback in the third season despite his popularity, but Squid Game Season 3 found a way to bring Thanos back to the action without breaking the grounded rules of its world. Whether or not it was a successful return will be up to the fans, however. Warning! Major Squid Game Season 3 spoilers to follow!

How Thanos Comes Back in Squid Game Season 3

Thanos was decidedly killed off during the second season‘s final stretch after losing a fight to Lee Myung-gi, so it seemed like he would be off the table for a potential cameo in the final episodes given that his story was completed. But Thanos was such a personality that he continued to live on through others. At first it seemed small, however, as his surviving compatriot Nam-gyu was bringing Thanos back to the screen with a hilarious impression of his former friend, but it all becomes real much later through an entirely different character.

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Nam-gyu and Thanos had been bullying Park Min-su through the games thus far, so Squid Game Season 3 sees Min-su instead taking more of the reins over his life. During the chaos of the fourth game he gets a hand on Thanos’ drug necklace and starts to take them through the final games. In the final game, Sky Squid Game, Min-su hallucinates and nearly falls off the side of a platform. It’s here he briefly sees Thanos and Nam-gyu as the two try and “grab him” and drag him to his death. So Thanos was able to come back even after he died.

Is Thanos’ Return a Success?

Thanos’ comeback is going to be a point of debate among Squid Game fans. Because it might seem like a decision that was made following how much popularity Thanos had in the second season, but Season 2 and 3 of the series were produced pretty much at the same time. It’s not likely that Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk inserted Thanos into this moment just as a bit of fan service, and that’s apparent in the scene itself as Min-su is haunted by the literal ghosts of his past through the game thus far.

It’s not the kind of return that would break the reality set by the first two seasons of the series, and is also not the only dead character we see returning through these kinds of visions either. Thanos just stands out because of all the noise he made during the second season, so it ends up being just another fun nod to the fact that this character continues to cause chaos in others’ lives long after he was killed off. No other Squid Game character really has that level of impact.

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Warning! Massive Squid Game Season 3 spoilers to follow! Squid Game has officially come to an end after four years with Netflix, and the final episode of its final season set up the path towards the long reported American Squid Game spinoff series with a major Hollywood cameo. Although Squid Game seemed to be a fairly contained story from series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk when it first premiered during the pandemic, it has since become such a massive hit for Netflix that it returned to complete its run with two new seasons. But that’s not been all as Netflix has been looking for ways to expand the massively popular franchise even further.

One issue with expanding the franchise is where to go after the original story ends, but Squid Game’s answer to this has instead been to start development on a new spinoff series set in the United States of America. This English language take on the franchise has reportedly been in the works for the last couple of years, and now it seems like it has taken a huge step forward with the final episode of Squid Game Season 3. Bringing in massive star Cate Blanchett (Thor: Ragnarok, Borderlands, Black Bag), Squid Game is now teasing a whole new setting for the future.

Why Is Cate Blanchett in Squid Game Season 3?

The final episode of Squid Game Season 3 sees the Front Man making his way to Los Angeles, California to deliver Seong Gi-Hun’s belongings to his daughter following the end of the games. But a slapping sound in a nearby alleyway catches his attention, and he spots a woman playing the same Ddakji game that Gong Yoo’s recruiter had been seen playing in the series before. It’s soon revealed to be Blanchett as she’s clearly the recruiter for an American version of the game. It’s the final nod to the series in the future, and sets up what’s to come.

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Part of Squid Game‘s message throughout its run is that regardless of what Seong Gi-Hun tried to accomplish throughout both of the games he participated in, he would be helpless to stop the system at hand. Regardless of how much he was going to fight, it would not be enough to stop others from playing or hosting the games. Now it’s more clear that ever that even if Gi-Hun were successful in stopping them in Korea, the games are still very much active in the rest of the world. It’s why the creator was so open about the show not having a happy ending ahead of its premiere.

What Does This Mean for Squid Game?

Reports have revealed that a new English language adaptation of Squid Game was now in the works with David Fincher expected to helm this new take on the franchise. It’s unclear as to whether or not this ending will directly tie into Fincher’s version of the franchise, but it does set up an important point either way. It’s now revealed that these deadly games are taking place throughout different regions of the world, and that opens up the franchise to a much wider scope than ever before.

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk might have ended his Squid Game story, and might have expanded on the central idea of how its capitalistic core ruins everyone involved, but the franchise is really only getting started. It’s likely we’re going to see much more of Squid Game from this point on, and that’s not even including the also in the works second season of the reality game show version, Squid Game: The Challenge. It’s far from over.

The post Squid Game Finale Teases American Spinoff With Major Marvel Star Cameo (& What That Means) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of the summer’s most anticipated TV events has finally arrived, announcing the return of one of the decade’s biggest, and most surprising success stories. The show is destined for Netflix’s Top 10, inevitably, and has already drawn more critical acclaim than the previous season and kicked off renewed discourse on social media. For fans of high-stakes storytelling and thought-provoking drama, it marks the return of a modern classic, and the beginning of a surprisingly shocking end for a global phenomenon. For now.

That’s right, Squid Game season 3 is here, with the final chapter of the acclaimed, smash hit series landing on Netflix globally today. The first seasons have already redefined what international television can be, and just six months after season 2’s release, there’s more to enjoy. After two chapters packed with brutal survival games and social commentary that struck a nerve, the South Korean juggernaut returns to wrap up the story of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), this generation’s most famous reluctant hero who became a symbol of defiance. 

On the back of immediate critical acclaim, there will no doubt also be clamour for more in this universe. And rumors have run rampant that there may be an American spin-off or remake on the way. Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has acknowledged talks with Netflix about expanding the universe, and we’ve already seen reality show-style spin-offs (somewhat ironically), and the demand will surely see further announcements. And if you’re looking for more excuses to get streaming subscriptions, there’s a lot going on.

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New Essential TV Releases On Streaming (Or Coming Soon)

While Squid Game may be grabbing headlines, it’s not the only show commanding attention this season. Several highly anticipated series are returning or debuting, making summer 2025 a great time to be a streamer.

The Bear Season 4 – Hulu / FX

The award-winning kitchen drama returns with more chaos, stress, and volatility, as Carmy and his ragtag team chase culinary greatness while battling personal demons. The Bear Season 4 delivers more sharp writing and unforgettable performances and is available now on Hulu and FX.

Ironheart – Disney+

Marvel Studios introduces a sort-of new hero to its live-action universe with Ironheart. After her debut in Black Panther Wakanda Forever, teenage genius Riri Williams leads her own series that explores legacy, innovation, and identity. All 6 episodes will stream exclusively on Disney+.

Dexter: Resurrection – Paramount+ (July)

Despite the obvious issue of his apparent death in Dexter: New Blood, Michael C. Hall returns as Dexter Morgan in this bold continuation of the original, arriving 11 July on Paramount+. Dexter: Resurrection promises to reinvent the series while honoring its dark legacy, and the cast so far is legitimately incredible.

The post One of the Best Shows Of The Decade Returns to Netflix With Season 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game experienced one of the bigger “sophomore slumps” when Season 2 was released at the end of 2024 – a disappointment that was only exacerbated by the fact that the fans had waited a grueling three years for the second season to arrive. The early announcement that the Korean Netflix series was getting Seasons 2 and 3 kept hope alive that the second season’s dip could be corrected, especially when it became clear that “Season 3” was really “Season 2.5,” and the second half of an unfinished story. That’s put extra pressure on Squid Game Season 3 to finish the series the right way – and, based on the early Rotten Tomatoes score, fans seem to think the plane is being landed in much smoother fashion.

Currently, Squid Game Season 3 holds an 89% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with nearly 30 reviews submitted.

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According to the critics’ consensus, Squid Game Season 3 seems to have the awareness that Season 2 lacked. The show was always about the deeper theme of how capitalism has twisted human empathy and societal ethics; and yet, Squid Game’s success and popularity became a twisted curse. In Season 2, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk was left clearly wrestling with how to continue the story while acknowledging the sick irony of having an even bigger audience watching (and rooting for) the grisly games of death. Season 3 seems to find better footing on that front, as critics note that the new season finds a better way to both tell the traditional Squid Game story viewers want to see and still get meta about the double-edged nature of the show’s popularity. “…it’s in the latest depiction of the VIPs… where Squid Game reminds us that if we’re gaping at the series’ ghastliness rather than ingesting its critique, we’re part of the problem,” Vulture’s Roxana Hadadi writes in her review. She later adds that “It’s another sign of Squid Game’s curmudgeonly worldview that the series ultimately presents the VIPs, not Gi-hun, as surrogates for the viewer. One of these parties is on the wrong side of progress, Squid Game suggests, and it’s not the man willing to risk his life to save others.”

Are Fans Turning on Squid Game?

On the other side, Angie Han of THR says that there are no redeeming qualities left in this show: “Squid Game has never been a ‘nice’ show by any standard. Early on, however, its grimness was tempered by a deep empathy for the people trapped in this maze… Now, it’s gloom and doom all the way down.” She also states that “It brings me no pleasure to report that the third and thankfully last of Squid Game seasons only confirms that we, like Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), should’ve left that cursed island behind for good after his first victory.”

To Angie’s point, Squid Game Season 3 currently holds an ominous audience score of 45% with over 100 reactions submitted. That raises a serious question about whether Squid Game will ever be the kind of global phenomenon it once was, or just another one of those COVID trends we need to pack away for good (next to your sourdough starter kits).

Squid Game Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix.

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In speaking with outlet The Guardian, Dong-hyuk discussed the themes of season three and how he was approaching it as a far more “bleak” affair, “The tone is going to be more dark and bleak. The world, as I observe it, has less hope. I wanted to explore questions like, ‘What is the very last resort of humankind? And do we have the will to give future generations something better?’ After watching all three seasons, I hope we can each ask ourselves, ‘How much humanity do I have left in me?’”

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No Happy Endings For Squid Game

Lee Jung-jae, who plays the part of Gi-hun, hinted that the series finale will not be a happy one for some viewers, “People like a happy ending. I’m like that too. But some stories, by nature, can’t have one. If you try to force one, the essence is compromised. If a story is holding up a mirror to something, then it’s not always a happy ending. Squid Game is no exception.” The star also hinted at a surprise ending for the beloved Netflix property, stating that it even threw him for a loop while filming, “The finale was something even I didn’t expect, so I’m sure a lot of fans will not see it coming. I think a lot of people will have different reactions. It’s definitely going to spur a lot of conversation. I’m looking forward to listening.”

The creator was sure to add his thoughts on the series and its relationship to capitalism, as the Squid Game itself has always been a commentary on the matter. In discussing the matter, Dong-hyuk didn’t mince words, “For me and Netflix, we started out wanting to create a commercial product. It would be too far a stretch to criticise wanting to profit from something that criticises the capitalist system. No studio is going to want to create a story that’s too critical of society. Having said that, if I felt [the partnerships] were too excessive, to the point where I felt it was damaging the spirit of the show, I might feel differently. But it wouldn’t be right for me to tell Netflix not to do something. I don’t have the legal grounds for that. I have had certain feelings about certain things, but I do not think it would be right for me to say exactly what, or to express my negative feelings.”

Via Guardian

The post Squid Game Will Not Have a “Happy Ending” Star Says appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Netflix’s Squid Game took the world by storm, becoming a global phenomenon with its harrowing depiction of desperate individuals forced to play deadly children’s games for a life-altering cash prize. The South Korean drama, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, captivated audiences not only with its brutal survival premise but also with its sharp social commentary, compelling characters, and shocking twists. The series follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he navigates the horrific competition, emerging as its reluctant winner at the end of the first season. Season 2 of Squid Game, however, flipped the script as Gi-hun intentionally re-enters the games to destroy it from within, leading to a cascade of new alliances, betrayals, and devastating losses.

With the third season of Squid Game coming to Netflix, fans gear up for what promises to be an explosive conclusion to Gi-hun’s story. As a direct sequel to Squid Game 2, the new episodes build on several critical plot points and unresolved questions from his last harrowing encounters. Remembering these key developments is essential to fully grasp the narrative threads that will undoubtedly shape the brutal challenges and moral quandaries awaiting in Squid Game 3.

1) Gi-hun’s Failed Revolution

In Squid Game 2 Gi-hun orchestrated a player uprising against the masked guards and the game’s administration. His strategy involved attempting to arm players by overpowering guards and trying to reach the facility’s control center. Key allies in this endeavor included his longtime friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) and other players like Gyeong-seok (Lee Jin-wook). Unfortunately, the rebellion was met with overwhelming force from the game’s soldiers and was decisively crushed. 

At the end of Season 2 of Squid Game, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) executes Jung-bae, forcing Gi-hun to witness his death. In addition, many other players who joined the revolt were also killed by the guards during the suppression. In the immediate aftermath, Gi-hun himself was physically overpowered, apprehended, and shown to be held in confinement within their facility. This marked the complete failure of his direct action and resulted in significant loss of life among the participants he had rallied.

2) The Front Man’s Ideological Victory

During the events of Squid Game 2, Hwang In-ho, previously established in Season 1 as the Front Man and brother of police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun), adopted a disguise as Player 001. In this persona, he actively participated in the new game cycle alongside Seong Gi-hun and other contestants. Throughout his time as a player, In-ho frequently engaged Gi-hun in conversations, articulating a cynical view of human nature and asserting that the games offered a fair, albeit brutal, stage for individuals to reveal their inherent self-interest.

As Player 001, In-ho observed and sometimes influenced situations that tested Gi-hun’s moral choices, particularly during Gi-hun’s planning of the player rebellion. After the rebellion was quashed, and after Gi-hun made decisions In-ho framed as compromising his ideals, In-ho orchestrated a scenario where Player 001 appeared to die. He then appeared as the Front Man to Gi-hun, stating that Gi-hun’s actions and the outcomes had validated his belief that all humans, when pushed, act out of self-preservation or a corrupted sense of utilitarianism. After all, Gi-hun chose to sacrifice lives in the name of his rebellion.

3) The Shocking Betrayal by Captain Park

In Season 1 of Squid Game, Jun-ho infiltrated the game facility while searching for his missing brother. His investigation culminated in a confrontation with the Front Man, who revealed himself as In-ho before shooting Jun-ho, causing him to fall from a cliff into the sea. Squid Game 2 confirmed that Jun-ho survived this fall and was subsequently rescued by a fisherman named Captain Park (Oh Dal-su). Following his recovery, Jun-ho formed a working relationship with Captain Park, using his boat over an extended period to search for the game’s hidden island and later hiring mercenaries for a direct reconnaissance mission.

During this mission in Squid Game 2, one of Jun-ho’s mercenary team members discovered Captain Park sabotaging their surveillance drone, a critical piece of equipment for locating the island. To prevent his exposure as an operative for the games, Captain Park killed the mercenary and disposed of the body, misleading Jun-ho by attributing the mercenary’s disappearance to a storm. This sequence of events revealed Captain Park’s secret allegiance to the game’s organization.

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4) Dae-ho’s Mysterious Background

A new character introduced in Squid Game 2 was Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul), a player who informed Gi-hun and others that he was a former Marine. Based on this claim, he was perceived as a potentially strong and disciplined ally within Gi-hun’s faction during the player uprising. However, when the rebellion commenced and combat ensued, Dae-ho’s observed actions were inconsistent with his purported military background. For instance, he struggled with the effective use of firearms.

Later, during the height of the conflict, Dae-ho retreated from the main battle area to the player dormitories, supposedly to retrieve more ammunition. He was then depicted in a state of apparent shock, unable to rejoin the fight. Dae-ho ultimately survived the failed rebellion due to his absence from the final confrontation, but his failure to go back to the front with ammunition helped undermine the revolution. The season concluded without confirming the truth of his military service or explaining his behavior.

5) No-eul’s Undecided Allegiance

No-eul (Park Gyu-young) was featured in Squid Game 2 as one of the masked guards within the game facility. Her duties included enforcing the rules and carrying out the execution of players who failed the games or violated regulations. The series also reveals that No-eul is a defector from North Korea. She stated her reason for working as a guard was to earn sufficient money to bring her son to South Korea.

While No-eul performed her duties, certain interactions, particularly with Gyeong-seok (Lee Jin-wook), a player she recognized from a past civilian job, suggested she experienced some degree of internal conflict regarding her role. Gyeong-seok, who was playing to fund his daughter’s critical medical treatments, was killed by guards following Gi-hun’s failed revolution, an event No-eul witnessed. Still, her specific stance to the game’s organization following these events was not explicitly shown by the end of Season 2.

6) The Second Giant Doll

Squid Game 2 mid-credits scene offered a brief view of the large outdoor courtyard where the “Red Light, Green Light” game is traditionally held at the beginning of each competition. In this scene, fans can spot the familiar giant motion-sensing doll used to officiate that game. However, positioned alongside it was a second doll.

The players in Season 2’s main game cycle, which included Seong Gi-hun’s re-entry, had already participated in and survived their “Red Light, Green Light” challenge much earlier in their competition. The mid-credits scene offered no dialogue or further action to explain the presence of this additional doll or to indicate what new purpose or game variation it might serve. Maybe the games will be reset after Gi-hun’s revolution, or the Front Man is introducing a deadly form of punishment to underline the rebels’ defeat.

7) Hyun-ju Future After the Revolution

While Seong Gi-hun was captured and many participants in his attempted uprising were killed at the end of Squid Game 2, not all key figures involved met the same immediate fate. Notably, Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), who had been an active part of Gi-hun’s revolutionary group, managed to avoid being apprehended or killed in the direct aftermath of the failed rebellion. When the revolutionaries were subdued, she had returned to the player dormitories to find Dae-ho.

When the game’s soldiers later stormed the dormitories to round up or eliminate remaining rebels, Hyun-ju hid her firearm. She purportedly distanced herself from the clear indicators of rebellion, allowing her to avoid being immediately identified as a core conspirator by the soldiers. Her survival and her actions to evade immediate culpability left her status and potential future role within the games an unresolved matter at the close of Season 2.

Squid Game Season 3 premieres globally on Netflix on June 27th. 

What are you most eager to see resolved in Squid Game Season 3? Share your theories in the comments below!

The post 7 Major Things to Remember About Squid Game Before Season 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A new week has arrived, and Netflix subscribers may be disappointed to learn that this coming week is a lot lighter than others in recent memory. On the heels of a stretch that saw Netflix add big titles like The Waterfront and Plane, the streaming service is looking ahead to a fairly barren stretch of days ahead of July’s arrival.

The week week of June 23rd has just a handful of new additions set to hit Netflix’s roster, but at least one of them is a title that a lot of subscribers have been anticipating. On Friday, June 27th, Netflix will add all episodes of the third and final season of Squid Game. The smash-hit Korean series is coming back for Season 3 shortly after dropping Season 2, which is a dream come true for fans given how how many years the show took to return from its first hiatus.

In addition to Squid Game, Netflix’s new arrivals this week also include another installment of the Trainwreck documentary series, as well as new episodes of Pokemon Horizons.

You can check out the complete list of this week’s Netflix additions below.

Sunday, June 22nd

The Intern

Tuesday, June 24th

Steph Tolev: Filth Queen — NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
Bow down to the queen as fearlessly filthy Steph Tolev rules the stage with hilarious confessions, unfiltered dating stories and absurd observations.

Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (GB) — NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
An engine fire leaves 4,000 passengers stranded at sea without power and plumbing in this wild documentary about the infamous “poop cruise” of 2013.

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Wednesday, June 25th

The Ultimatum: Queer Love: Season 2 — NETFLIX SERIES
Six couples put their love to the test by moving in with other partners. Are they ready for marriage — or is “the one” actually someone else?

Friday, June 27th

Pokémon Horizons: Season 2—The Search for Laqua Part 3 (JP) — NETFLIX FAMILY
With their training complete, the three young adventurers embark on a new quest to learn more about Lucius and track down the rest of the Six Heroes.

Squid Game: Season 3 (KR) — NETFLIX SERIES
The third and final season of Squid Game follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after losing his best friend in the game and being driven to utter despair by The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who was hiding his true identity to infiltrate the game. Gi-hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues onto his next move and the surviving players’ choices will lead to graver consequences with each round. The world eagerly awaits to see the grand finale written and directed by Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has vowed to bring the epic story to its deserved closure. Can we hope for humanity in the cruelest of realities? Fans all over the world are counting the days until the final answer is revealed.

The post Everything Coming to Netflix This Week (June 23rd) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

“If the world doesn’t change, the game doesn’t end.” That’s what the masked Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) told Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) in Squid Game season 2, when the winner of the 33rd Squid Game re-entered the competition to put an end to the deadly games once and for all.

As one of the last-surviving players going into the third and final season of the Netflix series, Player 456 has made it through games like Red Light, Green Light, Dalgona, Tug-of-War, Marbles, Glass Bridge, a Six-Legged Pentathlon, and Mingle — all of which are recapped in the new Squid Game season 3 trailer teasing the final games.

“I’m trying to put an end to it,” Gi-hun intones over footage of the final Squid Game, which returns to the playground where he won in 2020. Also glimpsed in the footage: the return of the motion-sensing Red Light, Green Light doll Young-hee for a game of Jump Rope with Cheol-su (the boy doll first seen in the season 2 finale), and a maze challenge where players are sorted onto either a red team or blue team based on gumballs dispensed from a gumball machine.

Season 3 “will focus on what Gi-hun can and will do after all his efforts fail,” series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Netflix’s Tudum, referring to the revolt that ended with the death of Gi-hun’s best friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan) at the hands of Front Man — who went into the games undercover as Young-il.

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“He is in utter despair after losing everything and watching all his efforts go in vain,” Hwang said. “The story then takes an interesting turn, questioning whether Gi-hun can overcome his shame and rise again to prove that values of humanity — like conscience and kindness — can exist in the arena.” As the Front Man told Gi-hun, the only way to stop the games is to change the world.

The trailer teases a face-to-face showdown between Gi-hun and Front Man, who asks, “Player 456, do you still have faith in people?”

The Squid Game season 3 cast includes Wi Ha-jun as Hwang Jun-ho, Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333), Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho (Player 388), Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju (Player 120), Yang Dong-geun as Yong-sik (Player 007), Kang Ae-sim as Geum-ja (Player 149), Jo Yuri as Jun-hee (Player 222), Lee David as Min-su (Player 125), Roh Jae-won as Nam-gyu (Player 124), and Park Gyu-young as No-eul.

The final season premieres June 27 on Netflix.

The post Squid Game Season 3 Trailer Teases Final Games of the Netflix Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Summer is finally here, and as the temperature starts to rise and taking a swim sounds more and more enticing, there’s only one thing to do: stay at home and watch TV shows. While most procedurals are on break, cable still offers a plethora of reality content that tackles everything from life on a boat to cooking BBQ. However, streaming services are really where it’s at, as they have massive libraries that take far longer than a few months to get through. Of course, the cream of the crop is Netflix, which is home to some of the biggest streaming series of all time, including Wednesday and Bridgerton.

June 2025 is a huge month for Netflix, with two shows releasing new seasons that are sure to generate headlines. Once those come and go, though, a massive void is going to form. Thankfully, other programs on the platform have a lot going for them and are ripe for binge-watching.

1) Squid Game

The South Korean dystopian series is ready to take the world by storm again, releasing its third season on June 25. With Season 3 being the last, it’s the perfect time to go back to the beginning and see how the competition pushes its competitors to the edge. Squid Game‘s first two seasons only have sixteen episodes between the two of them, so there’s plenty of time to catch up.

2) Ginny & Georgia

Another Netflix series gearing up to release its third season is Ginny & Georgia, which follows a mother who will do anything to protect her children. Season 3 will pick up right after the dramatic conclusion of the second season, with a monumental event in Ginny’s life being ruined when her past catches up to her. Ginny & Georgia has a few more episodes than Squid Game, but all the jaw-dropping moments make the extra effort worth it.

3) Dexter

Dexter Morgan always finds a way to return, and his story will continue in the upcoming Dexter: Resurrections on July 11 on Paramount+. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to catch up, but anyone willing to try can check out the original series on Netflix. It follows Dexter as he works as a crime scene investigator in Florida, which always deals with its fair share of strange crimes.

4) The Walking Dead

Despite The Walking Dead concluding years ago, Maggie Rhee and Negan are still fighting the undead on The Walking Dead: Dead City. The only way to fully understand the spinoff’s story, though, is to watch the flagship show, which is streaming on Netflix. Spend the first month of summer with Rick Grimes as Co. as they navigate a world full of monsters that want to eat them for lunch.

[RELATED – 7 Best Anime to Binge on Netflix in June 2025]

5) Stranger Things

Stranger Things is arguably the most important show in Netflix history, and it comes to an end at the beginning of 2026. The whole world will be talking about what happens to Eleven and her friends, so there’s no reason to skip over the show while surfing Netflix. Binging the first four seasons all at once might even make for a better experience, as there have been plenty of complaints about how long it takes the next batch of episodes to drop.

6) You

Watching a complete series can be a lot more fun than binge-watching a show and having to wait for the next season, and Netflix subscribers are in luck because one of its biggest projects just wrapped up. You, which follows the exploits of serial killer Joe Goldberg, has five seasons, and each one is more intense than the last. With the series releasing its final episodes in April 2025, it’s still the subject of many conversations online.

7) Suits

It’s never fun to see a show get canceled after one season, especially when it stars a former superhero actor looking for their next hit. However, Suits LA just couldn’t find its footing despite having some of the cast members from the original show reprise their roles. To avoid any more heartbreak, watch the entirety of Suits on Netflix and learn what becomes of Harvey Specter, Mike Ross, and the rest of Pearson Specter Litt.

Have you watched any of these Netflix shows before? If not, which ones will you binge-watch in June 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 7 Best Shows to Binge on Netflix in June 2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game will be coming to an end with its third and final season later this Summer, and the main star behind it all is nervous as to how fans will react to its grand finale. Squid Game kicked off a few years ago as one of the most popular series to ever make its debut with Netflix. It was such a massively popular hit that when the second season finally made its debut last year, it was even more watched than the first season. But now fans have been ready to see how it’s all going to come to an end.

Squid Game Season 2 ended on a massive cliffhanger that saw Seung Gi-Hun’s rebellion against the game’s officials come to a violent end. Through promotional materials for the third season it’s been revealed that the games are immediately back on after everything that happened, and Gi-Hun is going to go through a lot more terror and pain before it’s all over. But as star Lee Jung-jae teased to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee himself is nervous about how fans will react to it all.

Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae is Worried About the End

“We are going to be releasing quite soon, I am very nervous,” Lee began. “I know that a lot of you out there are curious about what’s going to happen in season three, but all of us are more curious about how much you’re going to enjoy it. So I can’t wait, I’m very nervous.” There are a few reasons why Lee could be nervous about how fans are going to react to the ending, and a lot of them are surrounding the potential fates for each of the characters. That’s especially true for Lee’s Gi-Hun, who is not guaranteed to make it out alive this time around.

Seung Gi-Hun survived his first time in the deadly games and then committed himself to going back in somehow to try and save more people from their demise. It’s this mission above all that puts him directly in the crosshairs of those who run the games. He was kept alive as part of the Front Man’s extra game for him, but that’s only until Gi-Hun learns more about the Front Man and the games themselves. Once his purpose is served, Gi-Hun might be headed for his own death through sacrifice to save someone else.

RELATED: 10 Best K-Dramas Based on Webtoons & Manhwa

When Does Squid Game Season 3 Come Out?

It won’t be too much longer before we see how it all comes to an end, however, as Squid Game Season 3 will be making its debut on June 27th with Netflix worldwide. Lee Jung-jae is only one of the returning cast members with also returning faces include Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yu-ri, Chae Kuk-hee, Lee David, Roh Jae-won, Jun Suk-ho, and Park Hee-soon.

Netflix begins to tease what’s coming in Squid Game‘s final season as such, “A failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2’s bloody cliffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix’s most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet. But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.”

The synopsis continues with, “With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences. Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there’s a traitor in their midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit?”

HT – THR

The post Squid Game Star Admits He’s Nervous About Fan Reaction to Show’s Ending appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A new exciting crossover is coming between Epic Games’ Fortnite and the popular Netflix show Squid Game. The South Korean survival drama is finally coming to the hit battle royale game, having previously collaborated with the Call of Duty series, marking yet another IP to join the ever-expanding list of franchises and series within the game. The announcement did not reveal what content from Squid Game will be joining Fortnite, but fans have already set expectations and hopes.

Epic Games teased this collaboration with a Squid Game invite, showing the iconic circle, triangle, and square along with a cheerful smiley. The most likely addition from Squid Game will be skins and other cosmetics. These may include the guards, showing different ranks and symbols, or popular characters like Kang Sae-byeok, Seong Gi-hun, Oh Il-nam, Thanos, and more.

RELATED: Squid Game Season 3 Drops New Trailer Ahead of Netflix Premiere

While there has never been an official collaboration between Epic Games and Squid Game, fans have created maps in Fortnite featuring games from the show. This includes Red Light, Green Light, and the glass bridge. Fans may see official game modes for these in Fortnite or at least new locations on the map where players may be able to play these or interact with elements from Squid Game.

No date was given for when Squid Game would come to Fortnite. Currently, Fortnite is in the middle of its Star Wars event, allowing players to interact with Darth Vader and explore Star Wars-themed locations. There will likely be no significant changes to the map, but fans may see some new additions.

When the Squid Game crossover begins, players will be able to purchase new items and cosmetics through the Fortnite store. These will probably be available individually or in a bundle, allowing fans to purchase what they want or get everything from Squid Game for a discounted price.

The post Squid Game Is Coming to Fortnite appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game is finally making its highly anticipated comeback with its final episodes later this Summer, and now Netflix is getting ready for the end with a new trailer ahead of Season 3’s premiere. Squid Game was one of the most popular original series to debut with Netflix in its history, Korean or otherwise. It was such a massive hit that a second season was not really a surprise, but the real surprise came with the announcement that the show would be coming to an end with a third and final season. Now launching a few months after, it’s time to get ready to see how it all ends.

Squid Game Season 2 released last December, and left fans on a massive cliffhanger that teased a rather dark fate for Gi-Hun and all those who tried to rebel against the games. The third season is finally hitting Netflix later this June, and Netflix dropped a cool new trailer for the final season as one of the many announcements made during the special TUDUM streaming event this year. You can check out the first full look at what to expect from Squid Game Season 3 in the video above.

When Does Squid Game Season 3 Come Out?

Squid Game Season 3 will be bringing it all to an end with Netflix on June 27th. This third season will serve as the final season of the series overall, and is teasing the end of Gi-Hun’s story after he tried to break into the deadly games a second time to turn it all on its head. But with his failed rebellion at the end of the second season, it’s been teased that it’s all going to get right back on track as the games will continue. These games might even be deadlier than they were before.

Squid Game Season 3 has done a lot to spread out its characters, and get fans invested in multiple people this time around. From experience with the first season, only one person is going to be able to survive in order to escape the games. Unless something happens that destroys the game before it’s too late, Gi-Hun just might be setting himself up for a terrible fate if he somehow makes it to the final round this time around as well. But there are so many variables that still need to be accounted for.

RELATED: 10 Best K-Dramas Based on Webtoons & Manhwa

Why Does Squid Game End With Season 3?

As for why the final part of Squid Game’s story was chosen to be spread across two final seasons, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously opened up about his thought process when putting it all together, “When I first wrote the story of Seasons 2 and 3 it was one long story arc.” Elaborating further he stated, “And I was originally planning to write this story across a span of about eight to nine episodes, but once I finished the story, it came to over 10 episodes, which I thought was too long to contain in a single season…And so I wanted to have an adequate point where I could give closure as a second season and then move on with the third.”

With everything that happened during Squid Game Season 2, there is a lot of excitement building over how it could all possibly end. There’s no guarantee of safety for any of the characters involved, and that’s especially true for Gi-Hun. Because while it’s his story, there’s nothing saying he absolutely needs to survive until the finale. Especially when there are new characters with even more to lose.

The post Squid Game Season 3 Drops New Trailer Ahead of Netflix Premiere appeared first on ComicBook.com.

K-dramas have been gaining global popularity for a while. Squid Game, a show about a deadly series of games where survival means money, definitely has had a major role to play in this. The show draws inspiration from popular manga like Liar Game and Battle Royale to create a truly unique experience for the audience.

In fact, taking inspiration from or straight up adapting webtoons and manhwa has been a rising trend in the K-drama industry of late. That doesn’t mean that they all do it well, though, since adapting a graphic series is never an easy task. Still, there are some K-dramas that beautifully translate the emotions and themes of a webtoon to screen. 10 of the best of these adaptations are listed below:

1) Business Proposal

Released in 2022, this K-drama features Kim Sejeong, who immediately went on to become a beloved new industry talent, as Shin Ha-ri. To help her friend escape the clutches of an arranged marriage, Ha-ri agrees to go on the blind date her family has arranged and scare the rich guy away. She puts on a bold attire and decides to try everything in her power to deter the man in front of him from falling for her.

Except that the man, Kang Tae-moo, turns out to be the CEO of her company. He makes her a proposal that has her living a double life even as they start falling for each other. Romantic, funny, and endlessly entertaining, this K-drama is based on a web novel by HaeHwa and is definitely worth a watch.

You can read A Business Proposal on Tapas, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix.

2) Marry My Husband

Released last year, Marry My Husband has 16 episodes and features Park Min-young in the role of the protagonist, Kang Ji-won. It’s based on the concept of rebirth, a theme that is currently being explored a lot in recent webtoons and light novels. In this story, Ji-won, a terminal cancer patient, is murdered by her so-called best friend and husband, who are having an affair. She dies heartbroken and bitter, only to find herself reborn and transported to a time before she got cancer and when she and her would-be husband were still dating. She quickly realizes that her friend, Soo-min, has been ruining her life since their school days.

Min-hwan, meanwhile, is a shoddy partner determined to use her to live a cushy life. Determined to escape her sad fate this time, Ji-won plots to make Soo-min marry Min-hwan in her stead. It’s horribly satisfying to watch Ji-won, brilliant and bold, impeccably pull off each step of her revenge. The drama is fast-paced and well-written, and the acting is top-notch, making this one a must-watch.

You can read Marry My Husband on Webtoon, with its K-drama streaming on Prime Video.

3) True Beauty

A heartwarming high school drama about the “ugly” Joo-kyung, True Beauty came out in 2018 and immediately started winning hearts. Based on a webtoon by Yaongyi, the story follows the ugly duckling, Joo-kyung, who is endlessly bullied and nearly abused by her schoolmates because of her looks. After a particularly painful episode where she is degraded by her crush along with her bullies, she changes schools. She treats it as a new start and trains herself to use makeup to make herself beautiful so no one in her new school would hate her.

The plan works, and Joo-kyung’s new schoolmates start regarding her as some kind of star. Inside, she’s the same “ugly” comic book nerd, though, and she lives in constant fear of discovery. Till she meets a boy who likes her just as she is. The show is lighthearted, often silly, and sometimes cringey. As long as you don’t take it very seriously, the show makes for a great one-time watch.

You can read True Beauty on Webtoon, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix where available.

4) Extraordinary You

This 2019 K-drama seems like a typical high-school romance, except it really isn’t. The series is about a high-school student, Dan-oh, who realizes she and her world are fictional. She is, in fact, a character in a romance webtoon. She is not even the protagonist but one of the supporting characters meant to help the protagonists fall in love. Determined to lead her own life and not let her fate be written by a webtoon artist, Dan-oh sets out to tweak the plot to suit her needs and maybe even find love while at it. The show is clever, full of sci-fi elements, and has quite a unique plotline. 

You can read Extraordinary You’s original manhwa, July Found by Chance, on Webtoon, with its K-drama streaming on Rakuten Viki.

5) All of Us Are Dead

If you’ve watched Train to Busan, you know that South Korea takes its zombies seriously. All of Us Are Dead has one of the most unique depictions of a zombie outbreak in recent years. Based on a webtoon by Joo Dong-geun, All of Us Are Dead was released in 2022. It tells the story of a school full of students who become trapped inside when their school becomes ground zero for a zombie outbreak.

To survive, the kids must band together to fight off the infected, rabid creatures their schoolmates were turning into. For a show with so many characters, All of Us Are Dead does the job of exploring each character’s arc and development extremely well. The series is emotional, thrilling, and often downright horrifying, making it a must-watch for fans of zombie media and gory tales in general. 

You can read All of Us Are Dead on Webtoon, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix.

RELATED: 10 Best K-Dramas for Beginners Seeking Their Next Obsession

6) Nevertheless

Featuring fan favorites Song Kang as Jae-on and Han So-hee as Na-bi, Nevertheless is based on a webtoon by Jeongseo. The first episode of the show came out in 2021. Almost from the moment it came out, it found itself a loyal fanbase that would wait eagerly for the release of each new episode. Its popularity dwindled a little toward the end, but overall, it remains a well-loved adaptation of a manhwa.

The story follows the flirtatious Jae-on and the cynical Na-bi as they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Jae-on isn’t one for romance, and Na-bi doesn’t believe in love. Their outlooks on life and love are different. They even have vastly different art styles and take on creativity. Still, they find themselves in a situationship that either one is reluctant and unable to leave. 

You can read Nevertheless on Webtoon, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix.

7) My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

Im Soo-hyang and Cha Eun-woo star in this 2018 K-drama based on a manhwa by Maenggi Ki. The story follows Mi-rae, a girl who is constantly bullied because of how she looks. She finally saves and gets plastic surgery, except it opens up a whole new can of worms. Struggling to stay strong through it all, Mi-rae finally meets someone who sees her for who she is.

However, one of Mi-rae’s batchmates really doesn’t want to see her succeed. While some always try to be the center of attention, somehow, it’s always Mi-rae who takes the spotlight. Driven by jealousy, she plots to take Mi-rae down. But she has her own skeletons in her closet, and she’d go to any length to ensure no one discovers her secret.

You can read My ID Is Gangnam Beauty on Webtoon, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix.

8) What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

Based on a webtoon of the same name, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? is about a young and successful executive and his extraordinary secretary. One day, she declares her decision to resign, much to the amazement of her colleagues and the bafflement of her boss. Lee Young-joon, played by Park Seo-joon, is not like others. He is handsome, smart, and successful. He is also a raging narcissist.

Determined not to let his capable secretary, Mi-so, resign, he is ready to give her anything, money, company, and perhaps even his heart. Little does Mi-so know that her past is connected to Young-joon’s in dark, irreversible ways. And the latter needs to fight his own demons to find his way to her. 

You can read What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim on Tapas and TappyToon, with its K-drama streaming on Hulu.

9) Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class is a K-drama that aired its first episode on January 31st, 2020. Based on a webtoon by Kwang jin, the show follows a rag-tag group of misfits as they try to build a bar together. But the bar is only the beginning, and they each have their own dreams and quests to chase. Sae-ro-yi, played by Park Seo-joon, is the male protagonist who is at the center of it all. He is the one who binds the group together.

As a high school student, Sae-ro-yi suffered endless misfortune at the hands of Jang Dae-hee, the founder of the Jangga Group. He was expelled from school, lost his father, and finally found himself in jail. While in jail, Sae-ro-yi plots the downfall of Dae-hee. The show follows him on his journey to build his own business and self-identity from the ground up. It is a tale of perseverance, friendships, and, of course, love. 

You can read Itaewon Class on Tapas, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix.

10) Lovely Runner

Released last year, Lovely Runner follows Im-sol, a disabled fangirl, as she goes on a quest through time and space to prevent her idol from committing suicide. She travels 15 years into the past with the help of Sun-jae, her idol, specifically his old watch. Once there, she resolves to protect Sun-jae from things she deems can be the causes of his depression.

What Im-sol doesn’t know is that her idol has his eyes on her too, and while he doesn’t always understand what she’s blabbering about, he’s still charmed by her. Meanwhile, Im-sol realizes that there may be more to their shared pasts, and Sun-jae’s apparent suicide might not have been a suicide at all. 

You can read Lovely Runner on Tapas, with its K-drama streaming on Netflix where available.

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Squid Game Season 3 is finally coming to Netflix later this Summer, and the creator behind it all is setting up how important its baby surprise is going to be. As Squid Game prepares to release its final season later this June, fans got the first look at what to expect from the series’ final episodes with a special teaser trailer setting the stage for the final wave of deadly games. But there are bigger teases than that within this trailer as well as the final moments of the trailer reveal a mysterious baby’s crying. That could really only mean one thing.

Kim Jun-hee (played by Jo Yu-ri in the series) was introduced in Squid Game Season 2 as a young soon to be mother who has been caught up in a terrible debt situation thanks to the baby’s father, Lee Myung-gi (Im Si-Wan), getting caught up in a cryptocurrency scam. The baby’s crying is likely teasing that Jun-hee is going to be having her baby at some point in the final episodes, and Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed to Entertainment Weekly that this is going to be much more important of an event than fans might expect.

Squid Game Season 3 Will Feature a Surprise Birth

When asked about whether or not the baby crying in the Squid Game Season 3 trailer meant we’re going to see Jun-hee coming to term, Hwang explained, “You have [heard] the baby’s crying in the trailer, so people can expect that there could be a baby,” the creator stated. “This baby plays a very important role in season 3, not just for Jun-hee, but [also] for the fate of everyone inside. You can look forward to that.” In terms of what else is coming in the third season, the creator also teased some rather intense stuff heading into the finale.

“In the case of season 3, I wanted to introduce games that could really show the lowest bottom of human beings, because the series itself is reaching its climax,” Hwang revealed. “I wanted very intense games to bring out the bottom parts of human nature.” As for how he selected the games themselves, “In season 1, we had lots of games like Tug of War that really utilized height and the fear that this height gives, but in the case of season 2, we didn’t have that element,” Hwang explained. “That is why in season 3, I decided to introduce games that could really infuse fear in people with sheer height.”

RELATED: 10 Best K-Dramas for Beginners Seeking Their Next Obsession

When Does Squid Game Season 3 Come Out?

Squid Game Season 3 will be making its worldwide debut with Netflix on June 27th. Hwang also explained his approach to this final season and how it differs from the first two, “I wanted to take a slightly different approach — I wanted to focus on how [people] have to preserve their humanity amidst this intense competition in this capitalistic era. I wanted to focus on how we can preserve our sense of humanity and how we should remain humans even amidst this intense competition. I try to pose that as a final question.”

With this in mind heading towards the grand finale, there are so many characters caught in the mix that they might not survive as fans are hoping for. Gi-Hun’s fate isn’t particularly safe either, so now it’s just a matter of figuring out how this baby will factor in the final episodes when they hit this June and whether or not it saves anyone from a potentially terrible fate otherwise.

HT – Entertainment Weekly

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K-dramas, or Korean dramas as a term, refers to South Korean TV shows that have recently become popular among a global audience. Squid Game, the K-drama that firmly established the genre on the world stage, is finally returning to screens with a third and final season this June.  But this show wasn’t the South Korean TV industry’s first attempt at unique storytelling. There are several other K-dramas that are equally, if not more, exquisite.

While Squid Game opened the gateway for many fans, one may find the medium has plenty more to offer in terms of other thrillers, as well as a deep library of fantasy, action, crime dramas, and more. There’s plenty of romance as well, with When Life Gives You Tangerines as a prominent recent example, but even that hardly defines the face of K-dramas as a whole, with it having traces of a period piece similar to Reply 1988. So, in case you are on the lookout for your new obsession after being blown away by the brilliance of Squid Game, here are 10 of the best K-dramas out there:

1) Goblin or Guardian: The Great and Lonely God

Featuring Gong Yoo of Squid Game fame, Goblin or Guardian tells the story of a warrior named Kim Shin. A historical fantasy drama, the show follows Kim as he returns from war, only to be betrayed by his friend, the king. He dies a traitor’s death, only to rise again as a goblin cursed to roam the earth till he finds his bride. After traversing the earth for centuries, Kim finally meets the dauntless Ji Eun-tak, a young girl with a brilliant smile and an ability to see the dead. Theirs is not meant to be a tale of romance, though, as Eun-tak, as the goblin’s bride, is supposed to put him out of his misery. But can fate and the heavens keep apart two lovers who will risk death and damnation just to meet again?

2) What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

The impeccable OG queen of K-dramas, Park Min-young, plays the role of Kim Mi-so, the terrifyingly capable secretary of an egotistical executive, Lee Young-joon. When she suddenly declares her decision to quit one day, Young-joon is thrown for a loop. Narcissistic as he is, he can’t believe anyone could want to leave him. He also refuses to let go of someone as efficient as Mi-so, trying everything in his power to change her mind. Things may not always be what they seem, though, and soon dark secrets from their shared past and repressed feelings threaten to upend their lives.

3) Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class is a story of perseverance, friendship, and vengeance served cold. Wronged by life, but especially by a powerful industrialist, ex-con Sae-ro-yi sets off to carve his own path to success. Soon, he is joined by a ragtag group of misfits, and together they start a bar that they have high hopes for. As the story unfolds, they find themselves up against nearly insurmountable obstacles, including Jang Dae-hee, the industrialist who nearly destroyed Sae-ro-yi in the past. But the team will stop at nothing till they realise their individual dreams. The entire story is an emotional rollercoaster. The acting is impeccable, especially considering the cast is made up of quite a few new faces. But it is the soundtrack, at once rousing, heartrending, and unendingly hopeful, that takes the cake.

4) Strong Girl Bong-Soon

Park Bo-young plays the adorable Do Bong-soon in this romantic dramedy about a young girl with superpowers. Bong-soon may be tiny and adorable, but she is also a force to be reckoned with. Armed with super strength, a trait inherited by all the women in her family, she regularly takes on bad people and evil forces. She meets her archnemesis in the form of a cunning serial killer lurking in her neighborhood and toying with her loved ones’ lives. Will superstrength be enough to keep her dear ones safe? Or will one masked fugitive destroy everything she holds dear?

5) Scarlet Heart: Ryeo

Ha-jin, an ordinary girl, suddenly travels 1000 years back in time, only to end up in another girl’s body. She had traveled back to the Goryeo dynasty’s era. Unfortunately enough, several of the princes begin to adore her, and she gets pulled into the vicious politics surrounding the throne. But while she commands the affections of many, it is her and the fourth prince’s story that makes audiences’ hearts flutter as many times as it breaks. Their tale is tragic, ending in misunderstandings and longing. Still, despite the trauma, this is a show worth watching, be it for its excellent storytelling, vivid depiction of courtly politics, or the host of handsome princes vying for the attention of one flower. Be warned, though, the ending left fans stunned and begging for a second season that never came.

[RELATED: Squid Game Season 2 Has Easter Eggs Only K-drama Veterans Will Catch]

6) Descendants of the Sun

A soldier in the South Korean special forces and a jaded surgeon find themselves drawn to each other. But while Mo-yeon’s, the surgeon, job keeps are stuck at the hospital, the soldier, Shi-jin, is fated to travel to secret destinations on dangerous missions. They are constantly kept apart by their jobs, till they find themselves before each other again during an emergency mission. The healer and the soldier, thus, unite to protect innocents from natural and man-made dangers.  

7) Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

A modern-day classic, Hometown Cha-cha-cha is eccentric, adorable, and endearing to its core. A successful dentist clashes with a handsome busybody in this rural drama. In this romantic comedy, city girl Hye-jin suddenly decides to open a dental clinic in a quaint little seaside town called Gongjin. It’s where she meets annoyingly persistent Du-sik, a man of many talents and a penchant for getting himself involved in his neighbours’ business. In Samdal-ri, Du-sik is the answer to everything, from leaking roofs to sick elders. So, he can’t help but get involved when a faux pas leads all the villagers to hate Hye-jin. But Du-sik hides dark secrets of his own. And there may be more to Hye-jin than she lets on.

8) Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Woo Young-woo is not like everyone else. She is what society would call a high-functioning autistic person. After becoming an attorney, she uses her high IQ and penchant for thinking outside the box to solve cases and help deliver justice. Great as she is at her job, she also struggles with everyday things, like eating unfamiliar food and using revolving doors. The 2022 show explores the world through the eyes of Young-woo as she learns to confront her fears, express herself better, and even fall in love.

The story is uniquely told and challenges people’s assumptions about autism. It explores the reasons behind Young-woo’s actions instead of dismissing them as odd qualities that come with autism. Of course, it’s not a definitive guide to neurodivergence, but it does help get the conversation started and it does so in endearing and entertaining ways. 

9) Squid Game

What can we say about this show that hasn’t already been written a thousand times? Released in 2021, this survival thriller captured viewers’ attention on a global scale, putting K-dramas solidly on the map and bringing attention to the previously overlooked genre. A dystopian nightmare of a show, Squid Game is about a group of poverty-stricken individuals who would do anything to earn money. But to win the coveted prizes, they must first survive a series of children’s games.

Death and despair are present throughout the story, yet the show never ceases to be entertaining, albeit in horrifying ways. The games are unique and spine-chilling. The acting is impeccable. All in all, this serves as an excellent entry point into the world of the mad, marvelous magic that is K-dramas.

10) Alchemy of Souls

Set in Daeho, a magical earth-like world where souls can switch bodies, Alchemy of Souls is basically the story of a group of young mages. The show has a little bit of everything: fantasy, action, drama, and comedy. It’s really no wonder, perhaps, that it recently got renewed for a third season, much to the joy of its many fans. The first season follows the male lead as he asks for the female lead’s help in changing his fate.

However, neither of them is who they seem to be, and the past may connect them in irreversible, important ways. The male protagonist is childish yet charming. The female lead is smart and a little reckless. The actions are especially a treat to behold, and the background score only adds to the overall aesthetic. But while the first season gathered praise from critics and audiences alike, the second one didn’t fare so well, many calling it unnecessary since the first season itself had a solid ending.

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Despite popular belief, Korean dramas aren’t always cheesy little romances. While a large portion of them focus on telling dorky and heartbreakingly beautiful tales of love, many dramas, like Squid Game or All of Us Are Dead, also explore other genres. So, spine-chilling thrillers or exquisite historical pieces aren’t quite a rarity in the industry either. But if there is one genre that Korean dramas explore expertly well, it is the fantasy genre. Korean fantasy stories offer anime-esque originality, which makes them refreshing, to say the least. 

In this universe, goblins and gods battle, and epic prophecies unfold and shake the world to its core. Mythical beasts and mermaids come alive, and you find yourself falling head over heels for a handsome hologram or, better yet, a chiseled, nine-tailed fox from legends of yore. So, without further ado, here’s a list of 10 of the very best fantasy and sci-fi dramas that the Korean industry has on offer:

1) Goblin

Also known as Guardian — The Lonely and Great God, Goblin is a tale of woe and joy. It is the story of a warrior who is cursed to roam the earth as a lonely goblin or a god for all eternity, waiting for the day he finds his bride so she can finally put him out of his misery. 

Often considered the gateway drug to Korean drama, Goblin has a bit of everything. It has magic, intelligent and sometimes ridiculous humor, dreamy romance, and a story so well told that it will leave you gasping for more. But perhaps the best thing about the show is the glorious love-hate bromance between the Goblin and a grim reaper.

2) Hotel Del Luna

Hotel Del Luna is an establishment like no other. Run by an enigma of a woman — CEO Jang Man-Wol — this is a luxurious hotel you can only check into once you check out of life. 

It is a hotel that serves as a pit stop between the earthly world and the afterlife, and guests may stay in it until they resolve their earthly wants and desires before moving on. The tale begins when Goo Chang-Sung, a young man who is very much alive, gets forced to work with Man-Wol. Together, they work to resolve the eccentric problems of their guests and find that there may be more to Man-Wol’s past than she lets on. 

3) W

Have you ever fallen in love with a fictional character? Have you ever dreamt, with every fiber of your being, of meeting them, like the star-crossed lovers you know you are, and letting them sweep you off your feet? Because that’s exactly what this drama is about. 

The female lead’s crush, Kang Chul, the male protagonist of a webcomic, literally pulls her into his world. Kang Chul is precisely what you expect a fictional heartthrob to be like — charming, determined, and oozing all the charisma of the heroic main lead of a thrilling webcomic. So, she lets him sweep her off her feet, but drama and heartbreak ensue. Their love, it seems, is doomed from the start. Or is it?

4) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Historical drama meets fantasy in this heartrending piece that follows a royal family as they play a bloody game of thrones. The fantasy element is almost secondary and only comes into play once in the beginning and once again at the end when the female lead travels through time, only to find herself stuck in the body of a young noblewoman. 

She almost unwittingly becomes central to the story that unfolds, binding her in a timeless romance with an outcast prince. The series offers tears and heartbreak galore, so if you are not in the mood to have your heart ripped out and stomped on in the most glorious ways, this one’s not for you. 

5) Korean Odyssey

Known as the Triple Threat, handsome and charismatic actor Lee Seung-Gi plays the mythical beast of a male lead in this drama. And boy, does he bring the mischief and magic of the great Monkey King of legends to life. The drama follows the adventures of Son O Gong (a play on the Monkey King’s actual name, i.e., Sun Wukong) as he escapes his prison to seek a way to regain his full powers and take his rightful place as a god again.

RELATED: Netflix’s Hit Webtoon K-Drama Bloodhounds Returning for Season 2

6) Strong Girl Bong-soon

Tiny but feisty Do Bong Soon has a secret. All the women in her family are freakishly strong. She may be petite and pretty, but her physical abilities can give the Hulk a run for his money. The story begins when he meets a game company’s sweet and genius CEO and gets hired as his bodyguard. It’s a fun parody of superhero fantasies that has gotten its fair share of roses for its starring cast, as well as specific references such as in Squid Game Season 2.

Again, this story is romance-heavy. Cheesy lines and overall dorkiness aside, the overarching narrative is about Bong-soon’s war against a serial killer, who soon turns into her nemesis. But he is not just another goon she can pick up and chuck into the nearest wall. He is a spider who plots, who knows about the only chink in her armor, and she must employ all her resources to defeat him once and for all. 

7) Hello, Me!

Would your 15-year-old self be proud of you? This is the uncomfortable and existential-crisis-inducing question around which this odd, excellent show is centered. The story is about Ban Ha-ni. Defeated and cynical, she finds herself face to face with her young and exuberant self again. The latter is thoroughly disappointed in her. Together, they learn and grow as the younger Ban Ha-ni teaches her older self all about joy and hope again. 

8) Tomorrow

Choi Jun-Woong is good at a lot of things. But what he sucks at is landing a job. Rejected by one company after the other and fighting depression, he finds himself in a coma while trying to save a person from committing suicide. This is how he gets recruited by one of the biggest companies in the universe — the one that handles everything to do with the afterlife. Jun-Woong becomes part of the afterlife squad that tries to stop people from committing suicide and has the honor of witnessing some of the most beautiful, heartwarming, and soul-shattering stories unfold.

9) Oh My Ghost

If you are like me, this one may be an uncomfortable watch at first. This is a story about a ghost. She is also the female lead who is convinced that she is stuck on earth because she is a virgin. So, she keeps possessing women and throwing herself at every man she meets. Except none of them can quite survive her ghostly touch. I found the first half of the series slightly cringy and more than a little uncomfortable. But the second half more than made up for it as it explores the tragic reality behind the girl’s death even as she falls for the one man who may survive her touch.

The show-stealer for me was the OST, though. Sung by Park Bo-Young (main lead) herself, it’s a lullaby about lost loves and goodbyes that may have you reaching for a tissue or two.

10) Extraordinary You

Everyone loves to think that they are the protagonist of their own story. So, what if one day you discover that you are not just a secondary character, but the entire world as you know it is fictional? This is exactly what happens to Eun Dan-oh, who finds, much to her shock, that she is but a mere secondary character in a comic. So, she starts doing everything in her power to change the events and take control of her life. But can she ever truly escape what is already written? Can the created take on the creator and emerge victorious?

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Squid Game’s second season finale was one of the biggest cliffhangers in the history of television, setting the stage for a massive conclusion Seong Gi-Hun’s current current life-or-death adventure and the series as a whole. In recent days, Netflix has released a new trailer hinting at what is to come in the grand finale and once again, no one is safe. Of the many conflicts that are sure to arise in the upcoming third season hitting the streaming service this summer, there is one that might be the most heart-wrenching. From the recent trailer, a mother-son conflict might be on the way and I don’t know if my heart can take it.

One of the biggest pairs of new characters introduced in Squid Game season two was the mother-son pairing, Geum-ja and Yong-sik. The mother and son joined the terrifying contest to help clear Yong-sik’s gambling debts, but the family had little idea about one another becoming a part of the game. While Geum-ja has been putting her life on the line time and again to help her son survive, the same couldn’t be said for Yong-sik. During one specific Squid Game contest, Mingle, the son left his mother to die in an effort to save his own life. While Geum-ja would survive, the cracks were beginning to show in the relationship between the two and it seems as though season three might turn the screws on the former bond.

[RELATED: Squid Game Season 3 Trailer Debuts First Look at Final Episodes]

The Doomed Mother And Son

Thanks to the big twist of the second Squid Game we’ve seen so far, contestants can effectively vote to stop the contest at any time, though they would be sacrificing potential monetary gains in doing so. While the life-or-death contest we witnessed in season one only had one winner, it is possible that those who survive can bring their journey to an end though things aren’t looking good in this regard. We still don’t know what games will make up the third and final season but the odds of both Yong-sik and Geum-ja surviving aren’t looking good, especially considering they were barely able to survive the previous season.

In an interview with outlet Entertainment Weekly last year, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk discussed “This time around, I wanted to bring in an even closer pair and just having the Host look and observe, ‘How will they survive? How will they move on to each game?’ I thought that would be a very intriguing addition.” When it came to the pivotal moment that saw a son betray his mother, Dong-hyuk explained how the Mingle scene needed to be just right, “We shot this scene over, and over, and over again, take after take… And in my personal life, I am very distant from my own mom. My mom in reality is very ferocious and scary — we don’t have the type of relationship where we share our inner thoughts or feelings, so it was strange to have that on set and to be able to act in a way that these two people have that relationship. Doing that was difficult, being able to express that in a truthful way, because that isn’t actually my lived reality.”

A Mother And Son Divided

Squid Game, at its heart, is a commentary on our capitalistic society and how debt can destroy the lives of those who can’t find a way out of it. Even when it comes to families, the divide established by money can be a big one and luckily, the Netflix series has well-documented this fact in Yong-sik and Geum-ja. As the contestant pool dwindles, this conflict between the pair has been one of the most interesting parts of the previous season and we’re sure it will be the same in the upcoming return. Since we don’t expect either of these two contestants to be the ultimate victor, it appears like a foregone conclusion that the relationship is destined for heartbreak.

Want to stay in the loop when it comes to the life-or-death game’s grand finale? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Squid Game and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Squid Game Season 3 May Force Me to Watch One Tragic Matchup (And I’m Not Ready) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game will be returning to Netflix for its third and final season later this Summer, and the first trailer has been released for its final episodes. Squid Game is one of Netflix’s most popular television series currently streaming with the platform, and its success has been one surprise after another. Not only did the Korean drama series debut with an explosive first season that instantly made waves with fans around the world, but that success seemed to be even bigger with the second season of the series that finally released late last year. But now it’s all going to end.

Ahead of Squid Game’s second season, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk shared a special message with fans that confirmed that the show would be ending in two more seasons. The second season would kick off the climax of Gi-Hun’s story through his second attempt at the deadly survival game, and now it’s time for the final season to bring that story to an end later this Summer. The first trailer for Squid Game Season 3 gives fans the first look at its final episodes, and you can check it out in the video above.

When Does Squid Game Season 3 Come Out?

Squid Game Season 3 will be bringing it all to an end with Netflix on June 27th. It’s yet to be revealed how many episodes the final season will be running for, but it will be picking up after that massive cliffhanger at the end of the second season. Surviving members of the cast will be returning for their respective roles in the final episodes, and it’s already been teased that the games will be kicking right back despite the attempt to stop them by Gi-Hun and the others. In fact, they are likely going to be taking a much different kind of shape now.

As for why Squid Game’s finale was spread across these final two seasons, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously opened up about his thought process, “When I first wrote the story of Seasons 2 and 3 it was one long story arc.” Elaborating further he stated, “And I was originally planning to write this story across a span of about eight to nine episodes, but once I finished the story, it came to over 10 episodes, which I thought was too long to contain in a single season…And so I wanted to have an adequate point where I could give closure as a second season and then move on with the third.”

RELATED: Squid Game 3: Everything We Know About the Final Season

How Is Squid Game Going to End?

As for how Squid Game is going to end, it’s likely that not everyone is going to make it out alive. The shift in format to the series in the second season allowed fans to get attached to even more characters than the first time around, so it’s going to hit even harder when many of them die before the grand finale. With the post-credits scene from Squid Game’s Season 2 finale teasing that the games were going to immediately continue despite Gi-Hun’s efforts, there’s going to be a lot more pain and loss before it ends.

There’s a good chance that Gi-Hun himself might be the only one to make it to the end of the season alive as he fights through another deadly game, but he’s not going to be as motivated to survive as someone who’s going through all of this the first time. He’s likely going to have to make an unthinkable choice, and that’s going to be the game that the Front Man keeps playing with Gi-Hun before the show can end. But we’ll see for ourselves later this Summer.

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Squid Game fans have been eagerly waiting on the third and final season of the saga to hit later this Summer, and the Netflix series is going to be revealing new updates very soon. Squid Game Season 2 made its debut late last year and quickly became even more of a success than the first season. It was quite a shock considering how long of a wait it’s been since that first season’s debut, and even more shocking thanks to the cliffhanger that fans were left off of as we all wait for the final episodes to hit later this year.

Squid Game Season 3 was announced alongside the second season of the series. It was confirmed that series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk would be considering the third season as the final season of Gi-Hun’s story overall, and fans have been curious to see how it’s all going to end. We’re about to see even more soon as Netflix has announced their line up for the upcoming TUDUM 2025 event on May 31st (where One Piece Season 2 will also be shown), and confirmed that Squid Game Season 3 will be showing off something new during it all.

When Does Squid Game Season 3 Come Out?

Squid Game Season 3 will be premiering on June 27th with Netflix. It will serve as the final season of the series, and will be picking up immediately after that massive cliffhanger from the second season. It’s yet to be revealed how many episodes the new season will last for, but it’s likely going to be explosive either way. While there have been previously revealed first look images, Netflix’s TUDUM 2025 update could be one of the biggest yet with a potential teaser or even a full trailer coming out way considering how soon the final episodes will actually be hitting.

Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun will be returning as Seung Gi-Hun and the Front Man respectively along with many of the other surviving characters seen at the end of the second season. Despite Gi-Hun’s efforts to disrupt the game, however, the post-credits scene from the Season 2 finale had teased that the games are going to immediately continue when Season 3 airs. Which likely also means that there aren’t going to be many survivors when the show actually comes to an end despite fans’ love for them.

RELATED: No, Squid Game Won’t Be Bringing Back Thanos Anytime Soon

Is Squid Game Really Going to End?

Gi-Hun’s story might be coming to an end with Squid Game Season 3, but it’s likely not going to be the end of the franchise as a whole. Not only is there a currently in the works second season of the reality game show, Squid Game: The Challenge (which has yet to reveal any major updates since it was announced either), but David Fincher is reportedly now working on an English version of Squid Game at the moment at well. Even its original creator hasn’t ruled out spinoffs.

“When we were doing season one, I was saying there was never going to be another season,” Hwang Dong-hyuk stated in an interview following Squid Game Season 2’s premiere. “And so if the time comes, and it just so happens that I’m able to come up with a character or a different story, then maybe there might be a comeback,” Hwang continued. “But I’m thinking more along the lines of a spinoff.” Squid Game has been such a massive hit for Netflix that we’ll see the beginning of the end of later this Spring with these coming updates, and it still likely won’t be the end.

The post Squid Game Season 3 to Reveal New Updates Very Soon appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Netflix has no shortage of hit shows to watch, and though bingeable dramas may dominate, there’s still room for action too. The streaming service’s action and adventure TV section features some renowned titles — both Netflix originals and those that come from other networks. From classics like Lost and The Walking Dead, to more recent standout shows such as The Gentlemen and The Umbrella Academy, Netflix’s wide selection of action TV contains something that will appeal to all audiences. Given the broadness of the action genre, this array of shows features many different sub-genres like crime and historical drama. There exists no shortage of compelling TV shows on Netflix, and those who seek the thrill of action will find something to scratch that explosive itch they may have.

Narcos

Narcos is crime drama at its finest, and it features plenty of invigorating action to enhance all of the investigations and politics. Based on true events surrounding Pablo Escobar and other real-life Colombian drug lords from the 1970s to 1990s, the Netflix series dually fixates on both the drug operations and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) efforts to track them down. All three seasons of Narcos are absolutely riveting, and exceptional performances from Wagner Moura and Pedro Pascal highlight an all-around fantastic ensemble cast. The show maintains a high level of intensity and brutality through epic chases, gunfights, and other high-stakes missions.

Squid Game

Those in search of a show with an inventive premise and sharp social commentary should look no further than Squid Game. Netflix’s most-watched series centers on a dystopian South Korean competition that brings hundreds of financially troubled contestants together to compete in a series of lethal games in hopes of winning an enormous sum of money. Squid Game‘s gruesome nature and unrelenting action keeps viewers glued to their screens, while commanding performances from Lee Jung-jae and others effortlessly bring the show’s character arcs to life. Far more than mindless violence, Squid Game blatantly critiques class disparity, particularly in South Korea, though this theme easily resonates with people from everywhere across the globe. After two seasons, Squid Game has cemented itself as a once-in-a-generation work of television.

Black Sails

Pirates battle for treasure and freedom in Black Sails, and its nothing short of captivating. The Starz original series takes place in the early 18th century on the Bahaman island of New Providence, where tumultuous power struggle threatens pirates’ liberty to plunder and cash in as they please. Functioning as a prequel to Treasure Island, Black Sails includes numerous renditions of real-life pirates, such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny. The show’s fascinating band of characters engage in enthralling, and highly realistic, fight scenes on both land and sea. As a result, Black Sails‘ impeccable drama is enlivened by heart-pounding action at every turn, and it is a thrill to watch. All four seasons of Black Sails radiate this fierce spirit of adventure that all fans of pirates and action will love.

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders perfectly blends the genres of crime, period drama, psychological thriller and action. Set in Birmingham, England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peaky Blinders chronicles the endeavors of Tommy Shelby, the titular gang’s leader. Although the show’s six seasons only amount to 36 episodes, Peaky Blinders is an incredibly immersive viewing experience thanks to its layered characters, top-notch cinematography, and brutal fight scenes. Cillian Murphy delivers a tour-de-force in the lead role, and the remainder of Peaky Blinder’s cast members are at the top of their game. The tension and exhilaration that comes with watching Peaky Blinders demands to be felt by every TV lover.

The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom is the right choice for viewers enticed by terrific action set in the far past. Netflix’s TV adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories novels follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon raised by Danes who sets out to reclaim his birthright in 9th and 10th-century England. The Last Kingdom‘s exciting battles feature swords, shields, and the like. Violent and engrossing, the series sees its main character fight with giant armies and engage in one-on-one combat. Moreover, The Last Kingdom‘s historical setting is created with great attention to detail, and Alexander Dreymon offers a memorable interpretation of Uhtred.

[RELATED: 7 Best Shows on Netflix You Didn’t Know Were Streaming]

The Pacific

Even 15 years after its release, HBO’s The Pacific ranks among the best scripted war series of all time. The limited series chronicles the journeys of several real-life U.S. Marines involved in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The Pacific follows its characters on and away from the battlefield, highlighting the joy of getting a break from the slaughter, as well as hardship of returning to civilian life after the war. Gory and highly unnerving at times, the show’s combat sequences are truly harrowing and put together with remarkable realism. It’s hard to recall many other war story that bring the same level of vivid action and emotional stakes as The Pacific, which has certainly achieved a similar status to its sister-show, Band of Brothers.

Gangs of London

The ruthlessness of organized crime enters the modern age in Gangs of London, as the show focuses on the deadly power struggle among gangs in England’s most populous city. With an alluring and expertly-performed array of characters, Gangs of London follows a riveting narrative across its two released seasons. Filled with plenty of shocking plot twists and heart-pounding action, Gangs of London might contain too much graphic violence for some audiences, but for those who can stomach a massive amount of blood and gore will revel in the show’s countless fight scenes.

Arcane

Among the best video game adaptations of all time, Netflix’s Arcane features exhilarating set pieces that easily rival live-action shows. Arcane takes place in the League of Legends universe and revolves around two sisters at the center of a large-scale conflict between different realms of society. Boasting an engaging story spearheaded by superbly-developed characters, Arcane‘s major action set pieces are saturated with emotion and satisfyingly climactic. Even those unfamiliar with League of Legends or who don’t usually opt for animated projects will grow infatuated with Arcane. The series contains just two seasons, but it offers a thrill ride audiences won’t soon forget.

Bodyguard

Fans of classic spy thrillers should immediately put this one on their watchlist. The limited series centers on David Budd, a British Army veteran who a politician enlists as her protection officer. Richard Madden shines as the main character, and Bodyguard‘s six-episode story arc takes a number of surprising turns. The series addresses relevant themes such as PTSD and government surveillance, however Bodyguard‘s substance doesn’t get in the way of its exciting action sequences. There are mysteries to solve, enemies to catch, and loads of more electrifying missions at the heart of Bodyguard, and action lovers will enjoy it all.

Vikings

A year ago, Vikings made the transition from Prime Video to Netflix, and it has become one of the streamer’s best available shows. The historical drama follows Ragnar Lothbrok and his family as they each resolve to achieve power and glory in their own way. Vikings boasts a ton of compelling character arcs and dynamics, but the series is most potently defined by its breathtaking battles involving Vikings and Saxons. The violence in Vikings takes on an extreme level of brutality, as warriors use swords, spears, axes, and gruesome methods of torture to vanquish their foes. Moreover, Travis Fimmel’s portrayal of Ragnar remains an all-time TV performance, and Vikings provides enough tension, drama, and excitement to captivate audiences for six full seasons. Every lover of history and action needs to experience Vikings.

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The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is now available on bookshelves, but fans will have to wait more than a year for the movie adaptation. Telling the story of Haymitch Abernathy’s bout in the 50th annual Hunger Games, the new prequel underscores the lengths Panem’s oppressive Capitol takes to ensure its control over the 12 districts through propaganda and censorship. The Hunger Games franchise, fixating on the tribute-turned-revolutionary Katniss Everdeen in the original trilogy, can be compared to numerous other works about dystopian societies. Thus, those who love The Hunger Games may be on the hunt for a great TV series to dive into ahead of the Sunrise on the Reaping film’s release in 2026.

These five TV series contain similar qualities to the Hunger Games franchise, and fans should add them to their watchlist now.

Squid Game

In Netflix’s Squid Game, gambling addict Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) and hundreds of financially troubled individuals partake in a series of games, hoping to win a large sum of money. What the participants don’t know is that losing means certain death. The brutal contest at the heart of Squid Game‘s narrative, as well as the show’s commentary on South Korea’s societal wealth gap, immediately draw comparisons to the Hunger Games franchise. The story sees contestants build alliances and learn how to survive the overbearing Front Man’s deadly tricks. Similar to the second Hunger Games book and movie Catching Fire, Squid Game Season 2 takes its main character through the competition again, but this time with a rebellious twist. All in all, Squid Game tells a gripping tale about class inequality that fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy.

Silo

Silo differs from The Hunger Games in that it doesn’t revolve around an organized fight to the death, but survival in the Apple TV+ show’s authoritarian society strikingly mirrors the events of Mockingjay, the Hunger Games franchise’s final installment. Based on the book series by Hugh Howey, Silo takes place in a dystopian future when humans live in underground silos to escape toxic air on Earth’s surface. Within the silos, social hierarchy dictates people’s lives, and many secrets about the silos’ creation and true purpose are hidden from the masses. Silo‘s central character Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) evolves from an ordinary mechanical engineer to the spark of rebellion in an arc that feels remarkably similar to that of Katniss in the Hunger Games novels and films. Riveting and thought-provoking throughout its two released seasons, Silo is one of the best shows on TV, and every Hunger Games fan needs to watch it.

[RELATED – The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Movie Is Facing This Make-or-Break Challenge]

The 100

The 100‘s post-apocalyptic narrative involves a group of teenagers sent from outer space to determine if the Earth is habitable enough for humans to return. An adaptation of Kass Morgan’s series of novels, the CW show depicts a premise that may not seem all that similar to The Hunger Games on a surface level, but the delinquent newcomers engage in a divide-and-conquer battle for survival after arriving on Earth and discovering numerous surviving civilizations. The 100‘s compelling plot threads over its seven seasons illustrate a massive power struggle, with predominantly young people serving as casualties to war and cruelty. Accordingly, the series will easily satisfy Hunger Games fanatics’ craving for dystopian fiction.

Yellowjackets

Another show about teens fighting to survive in the wilderness, Yellowjackets follows a traveling girls’ soccer team that crash-lands in a remote region of Canada, prompting a grueling series of events as they endure the elements. The Showtime series alternates between its main characters’ struggle to stay alive in the present and their lives 25 years in the future. Rife with fascinating character arcs and shocking narrative twists, Yellowjackets ranks among the greatest running shows on TV. Having aired three seasons thus far, the show features plenty of harrowing moments that can easily compare to The Hunger Games‘ brutal arena fights to the death. Those who love the Hunger Games books and movies should check out Yellowjackets for its tale about survival under impossible circumstances.

3%

An underrated Netflix original series, 3% boasts a multitude of similarities to the Hunger Games franchise. The show takes place in a dystopian Brazil, where young adults in an impoverished region of the country participate in an intense competition known as The Process to gain access to an exclusive, upscale part of society. Many of the contestants die, and only a tiny portion succeed — hence the show’s title. 3% features loads of social commentary on wealth, privilege, and authoritarianism. The series takes a number of surprising narrative turns, keeping viewers glued to the screen across each of the four seasons. Fans of The Hunger Games in search of a TV show with a comparable premise should watch 3% while waiting for Sunrise on the Reaping to hit theaters.

All of these shows are available to stream across various platforms.

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A Korean Drama, aka K-Drama, was the second most watched Netflix TV show when sorting by hours watched in 2024, second to only Bridgerton Season 3. In the process, it beat out the massive release of Squid Game Season 2. While the second season of Squid Game attracted more viewers, it only posted 619,000,000 of hours watched, down substantially from the K-Drama in question, which posted 860,400,000 hours watched in 2024.

To match this, the Netflix K-Drama has great scores on Rotten Tomatoes as well. More specifically, it has a 100 percent score with critics, though its audience score is a bit lower at just 71 percent. For the sake of comparison, Squid Game has scores of 89 percent and 73 percent, respectively.

The TV show, for those interested is Queen of Tears, is a romance drama series with comedic elements that debuted last year. It is notably the most-watched Korean series on Netflix of all time. In addition to this, it surpassed fellow K-Drama Crash Landing on You as the highest-rated tvN series of all time. Suffice to say, it is immensely popular, and currently streaming on Netflix right now.

Written by Park Ji-eun, directed by Jang Young-woo and Kim Hee-won, and starring Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, and Park Sung-hoon, it features 16 episodes, all of which range from about 80 to 90 minutes, minus the finale, which is closer to two hours.

“The queen of department stores and her small-town husband weather a marital crisis —until love miraculously begins to bloom again,” reads an official elevator pitch of the TV series on Netflix.

RELATED: Netflix Users Have Less Than 24 Hours to Watch One of the Best Movies of the 2010s

For those interested there is an English dub, but it is horrific. The best way to watch Queen of Tears, and the way most enjoy it, is with English subtitles. For those not familiar with reading subtitles, it can take a little to get used to, but doesn’t take too long.

Those who have never checked out a K-Drama, but are interested in diving into the growing genre, Queen of Tears is the best place to start as the most popular K-Drama to date. The aforementioned Crash Landing on You, which came out in 2019, is also a great starting place.

For more coverage on all things Netflix — including all of the latest news, rumors, and leaks pertaining to all Netflix TV shows and movies — click here.

The post Netflix K-Drama Was Watched More Than Squid Game Season 2 (And It Has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

No, for as much as fans might want to see him in action again, Squid Game won’t be bringing back Thanos the rapper any time soon. Squid Game Season 2 made its debut last year with almost even more popularity than the first season, and a lot of the success for the new episodes came as a result of all of the new characters in the mix of the death games this time around. These characters had much fuller personalities than those seen in the first season, and some even enjoyed playing the games themselves known that life-changing money was on the line.

But some of these new characters enjoyed the situation a bit too much as Squid Game Season 2 introduced fans to the rapper named Thanos, who had purposefully named himself after the Infinity Stones collecting Marvel villain. Played by Choi Seung-hyun in the series, unfortunately the character doesn’t make it to the end of the season alive. But for as much as fans want to somehow see this character beat the odds and come back for more games in the final season, that’s just not going to happen.

Squid Game’s Deaths are Largely Permanent

One prevailing theory that has really been gaining traction with fans is that Thanos somehow survived his death in the second season, and will be rejoining the games in some way in Squid Game Season 3. The idea of someone like Thanos being able to keep playing these games despite a fatal looking wound would be fun to watch, but unfortunately it would completely wreck the reality of the series. When a death is fully shown on screen, it is never reversed. There are some loopholes as some characters have returned following presumed deaths, but deaths are largely the end for characters and their stories.

Squid Game is set within a relatively grounded world, so bringing back a character like Thanos just because he was popular with fans would wreck all of the care that has been put into setting up this world so far. Thanos himself even stood out a bit at first because he was such a wacky addition, and was thus already teetering on the edge of maybe breaking the immersion for fans wanting to fully dive into this bleak world. So when his death comes with a fork to the neck, it’s a harsh bringing back down to reality.

RELATED: Netflix Previews Its Next Squid Game (And It’s Very Different)

Squid Game Season 3’s Story Is Already Set

Ahead of Squid Game Season 2’s release, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that he chose to break the story into two final seasons while writing out these final episodes. It’s here that fans should realize that the story is already set for the final episodes, and thus is likely not going to change even if fans are demanding a character like Thanos to return. Thanos has served his purpose in the story, and has died before the climax because there is likely a much more intense finale in store for Seung Gi-Hun and the others.

Even Thanos actor Choi Seung-hyun thought that Thanos’ purposed was served as well, and even deserved to die in the way he did. Revealing in an interview that he felt that Thanos’ “death was quite timely” and that he “also thought he deserved to die.” Thanos’ death served as a major shock because it was outside of the games, and it only works because it’s a permanent fate for a character who seemed like they were going to have a bigger role. That’s part of the tragedy of the situation overall, and therefore there’s no way he’ll come back in the final season.

Squid Game Season 3 releases with Netflix on June 27th, so we’ll see for ourselves soon enough.

The post No, Squid Game Won’t Be Bringing Back Thanos Anytime Soon appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As fans wait for the third and final season of Netflix’s biggest series of all time, many fans are wondering how the streaming service will continue to capitalize on Squid Game. While creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted at the idea that he is open to spin-offs of the live-or-death game in the future, a fourth season for the main storyline seems unlikely. Luckily, Netflix is already preparing for what might be a new torch bearer for Squid Game as a new preview highlights a very different death battle arriving later this year. Last Samurai Standing might take place in the past but the latest preview is one that hints at a storyline that might be darker than that of the Squid Game.

Last Samurai Standing takes place as a period drama in which three hundred samurai warriors gather in a temple in Kyoto, Japan. Much like Squid Game, the upcoming live-action series’ premise is one where the winner of the death game will receive a financial reward as the last warrior to survive will receive a “100 billion yen” prize. At present, the big reveal for the series dropping on Netflix this November hasn’t released a trailer but the streaming service has given us our first image from the series that you can check out below.

[RELATED: Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3 Is Missing Out on Its Best Character]

Last Squid Standing

Netflix took the first look to the outlet Variety, with the publication having the chance to chat with Netflix Japan’s head of content, Kaata Sakamoto. Here’s what Sakamoto had to say when it came to Last Samurai Standing, “When most people think about samurai, they think about this very glamorous period in Japanese history. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that, towards the end of the Edo period, the samurai lost a lot of their glamour and their power. ‘Last Samurai Standing’ is about what would happen if these warriors — the toughest and best in Japan — all of a sudden became common people and had to fight for their lives. Think ‘Shōgun’ meets Squid Game.”

This preview is released in tandem with the tenth anniversary of Netflix Japan, with Sakamoto committing to creating stories that have never been seen before, “We’re dedicated to creating never-before-seen stories by collaborating with Japan’s top creators and emerging talent with innovative ideas.”

Squid Game’s Final Season

Squid Game’s second season ended on quite the cliffhanger, as protagonist Seong Gi-hun found himself unable to successfully lead a rebellion against those who were running the nefarious competition. With season three set to arrive this summer on June 27th, viewers are wondering how Seong’s story will end and how the main series could potentially be setting the stage for future spin-offs. Regardless of where Squid Game’s future takes it, it’s impossible to deny that the South Korean story is one that has had a major impact on the world of pop culture since its debut.

Want to stay in the loop for all the latest on the life-or-death Netflix series? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for everything Squid Game related and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Variety

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Squid Game will be returning to Netflix for its third and final season later this Summer, and unfortunately it’s going to be missing out on its best character after they were killed off in Season 2. Squid Game made its return to Netflix last year with its highly anticipated second season, and it was just as popular as the first season (and even more so in many cases). A lot of this popularity was due to all of the new characters in the deadly games themselves with more flashy and varied personalities than were seen in the first season. The biggest example of which was Thanos.

Squid Game Season 2 introduced fans to the rapper Thanos, who was in the deadly games thanks to all of the debt he accrued after investing in a cryptocurrency scheme. The character not only stood out to fans for how absurdly he was approaching the life or death games, but also stood out thanks to actor Choi Seung-hyun’s distinct performance. But towards the end of the season, he was killed. Thus this final season is going to be missing out on the element that might have struck a chord with fans the most.

Squid Game Season 3 Is Missing Out on Thanos

With Thanos being killed off in between games (and even ahead of Gi-Hun’s revolution in the final episode), it really added an element of surprise to Squid Game Season 2 heading into its climax. He had been such a presence on screen that the series was seemingly building to him meeting his end during the games in some kind of grand fashion, so subverting that expectation by giving him such a non-glamorous death instead. It was something that fans would not expect from someone who named themselves after a major Marvel villain.

Squid Game is one of the most popular series of all time, and Season 2 is almost just as popular as the first season. It’s wild considering the scale of just how many people around the world have seen both of the seasons, and that means there was just a lot of general conversations to be had. Thanos naturally acted as a lightning rod for this conversation as not only was casting Choi met with some backlash (due to being arrested in the past), but he also inspired many of the viral videos, compilations, and remarks following the end of the second season. So that energy isn’t going to be matched by the finale.

Squid Game Season 3 Faces an Uphill Battle Now

Without a character like Thanos easily drawing attention, fans are going to be looking ahead to the end of the Squid Game story overall. It’s likely going to be a compelling one, but it’s going to miss out on the fun of adding new characters with their own fanbases like in Season 2. It’s directly continuing the story from the end of the second season, and is likely going to be a lot more serious as things need to wrap up satisfactorily. A character like Thanos would have stood out like more of a sore thumb in that case.

Even Thanos actor Choi Seung-hyun felt like the character “deserved” to die when he did stating in a recent interview with Netflix, “Thanos is someone who is under the influence of drugs…He’s a dangerous character. So when I first read how he dies in the script, I honestly thought that it was about time. I thought his death was quite timely, and I also thought he deserved to die.” The character just wouldn’t have fit with where the series is heading in its final episodes.

But even if he would have posed a mechanical problem for Squid Game, missing out on Thanos means that the final season will not have one of the biggest reasons fans loved the second season. It’s going to need to work a lot harder without this fan favorite, so we’ll see how it all works out when Squid Game Season 3 makes its debut with Netflix on June 27th.

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Thanos was undoubtedly the most divisive new character introduced in Squid Game Season 2, and even the star behind the character thought he “deserved” to die before Season 3 kicks in. Squid Game made its highly anticipated return for Season 2 last year, and it was quickly an even bigger hit for Netflix than the first season. A lot of the fanfare surrounding the new episodes was thanks to all of the new faces in the mix for the deadly children’s games this time around. Including a rapper with a shadowy past that was loving the games a little too much for comfort.

Thanos really elicited the biggest response from Squid Game Season 2’s episodes, but the biggest reaction came with the reveal of his ultimate fate. Being killed off during a fight in between games instead of the games themselves, and outside of Gi-Hun’s rebellion towards the end of the season, Thanos actor Choi Seung-hyun (also known as the rapper T.O.P.) explained to Netflix’s Tudum that when he first read the script he felt that Thanos “deserved” to die and it was “about time” that it happened.

Thanos Actor Reacts to His Death in Squid Game Season 2

“Thanos is someone who is under the influence of drugs,” Choi began when asked about Thanos dying in Squid Game Season 2. “He’s a dangerous character. So when I first read how he dies in the script, I honestly thought that it was about time. I thought his death was quite timely, and I also thought he deserved to die.” As for how seemingly random it seemed in the context of the series, Choi also believed that its random timing helped the impact of the death overall, “I was also actually very thankful to the director and the team, because they portrayed Thanos’ death at a very random time in the story. That made it that much more impactful.”

When asked what he thought Thanos would have done if he had lived until Gi-Hun started fighting back at the end of the season, Choi joked, “Based on my interpretation of him, Thanos would probably be dancing with the pink soldiers.” But at the end of the day, Choi is also thankful for all of the support fans have shown him since his debut in Season 2, “Honestly, I didn’t get around to looking them up myself, but I have a lot of memes and whatnot sent to me from people in my life. Sometimes director Hwang sends me Thanos memes, too. Watching them, I am in awe of how creative everybody is. I’m deeply grateful for all the support that you all have shown Thanos.”

RELATED: Netflix’s Latest Squid Game Season 3 Image Reveals What’s Next For Gi-hun

Why Thanos Was the Way He Was

In opening up about his performance as Thanos, Choi explained his approach as such, “Very simply speaking, Thanos is someone who’s heavily reliant on drugs, and that’s what led him to his fall. I tried to create a contrast between who he is –– before he’s under [the influence of] drugs, and after. Because the drugs that he takes are so intense and very strong.” But there’s even a deeper layer of anxiety underneath it all as well.

“Before he’s under the influence, Thanos experiences intense anxiety,” Choi continued. “He’s really nervous, and his true self is someone who gets easily scared. However, when he’s under the influence of the drugs, he’s basically no longer himself, right?” These added layers further complicate Thanos as a character, and further showcases why he was such a hit with fans in his debut. As for the Thanos-less Squid Game Season 3, it will be premiering with Netflix on June 27th.

via TUDUM

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Netflix has unveiled a striking new image from Squid Game Season 3, showing protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) handcuffed to a dormitory bed within the game facility. This first look at the final season provides a dramatic indication of how the series plans to conclude its story, with its main character now entirely at the mercy of the organization he sought to destroy. The image marks a significant shift in the power dynamic of Netflix’s most successful series, suggesting the games’ administrators have developed a new strategy for handling their most persistent adversary. As series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed, this concluding chapter will provide closure to Season 2’s storyline. However, the protagonist’s current situation suggests his fight against the system may take an unexpected turn.

The new Squid Game image reveals the immediate aftermath of Season 2’s failed revolution, where Gi-hun’s attempted uprising against the games ended in bloodshed following the Front Man’s (Lee Byung-hun) brutal execution of his friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan). Rather than eliminate their troublesome former champion, the games’ organizers have opted for containment. While it would be easy to simply dispose of Gi-hun, the goal seems to be breaking his spirit and proving that the game’s twisted moral justification is valid.

[RELATED: Squid Game: I Need These 7 Crazy Kids Games to Be in the Remake]

By keeping Gi-hun alive for Season 3 of Squid Game, the Front Man will probably force him to witness another round of the deadly competition. Hwang has previously explained that the final two seasons were conceived as one extended narrative. However, the story grew too big for the intended 10 episodes, leading Hwang to split it into two eight-episode parts, with Season 2’s cliffhanger specifically designed to lead into Season 3. That means we can expect to learn precisely what’s happening in the new image once the new season premieres.

Season 3 of Squid Game Is Not the End for the Franchise

While Season 3 of Squid Game concludes Gi-hun’s story, Hwang has teased potential spinoffs set within the same universe. In recent interviews, Hwang revealed he’s open to exploring new characters and storylines, but only if the ideas develop naturally rather than being forced. Netflix also plans to continue the franchise with or without his direct involvement as an advisor or co-creator. This expansion is already underway, with David Fincher developing an American adaptation and a second season of Squid Game: The Challenge in production.

Given the series’ reception, it’s no wonder that Netflix is trying to squeeze as much money from it as possible. Season 1 became Netflix’s most-watched series ever with 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first 28 days, while Season 2 shattered records with 68 million views in its first four days alone. The show’s cultural impact extends beyond viewership numbers, with the series winning numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards for its first season and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Lee Jung-jae, making him the first male actor from a non-English language series to win the award.

Squid Game Season 3 premieres globally on Netflix on June 27th. What do you think will happen in Season 3? Share your favorite theories in the comments below!

The post Netflix’s Latest Squid Game Season 3 Image Reveals What’s Next For Gi-hun appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game is ready to make its comeback to Netflix with the third and final season of the series later this Summer, and it’s teasing the return of some of its worst characters before it all comes to an end. Squid Game returned for its highly anticipated second season at the end of 2024, and it quickly became one of the most watched seasons of Netflix of all time. Just like the first season, response to Squid Game Season 2 has been positive with both critics and fans. Maybe in some aspects, it was received even better in the second season.

One of the better elements from Squid Game Season 2 was actually something that was missing entirely. The most divisive episode from the very well received first season of the series was the debut of the VIPs making their bets on everything happening in the games themselves. They felt so out of the world that it almost ruined the watching experience, so when they didn’t return in the new season it was a welcome breath of fresh air. Which is why it seems surprising that Squid Game is teasing their return for the final season.

Is Squid Game Bringing Back the VIPs?

In one of the first look images from Squid Game Season 3 released by Netflix, the Front Man is clearly in the VIP room that was in the first season. Due to the blurring of the rest of the area around him, it’s unclear if the VIPs are there in the room with him, but it’s a dangerous tease for the final episodes. The VIPs nearly ruined fans’ perception of that first season of the series as their debut episode seemed to toss out the good will and world building from the rest of it, and the final season would be taking a step backwards to bring them back.

But there is a potential bright side to bringing them back in the final season of Squid Game, however, if they get their just desserts. Part of the anger at seeing the VIPs the first time around was that Gi-Hun was nowhere near the same realm. Despite everything he would do in the game, he’d never be able to solve the real problem. But with everything he tried at the end of Season 2, it does seem like there’s a much grander plan at play for the games themselves. If Gi-Hun is able to bring down the games, then bringing down the VIPs comes right along with it. It’s a return that wouldn’t be as bad as their first time around.

RELATED: Squid Game Creator Teases More After Season 3 (But There’s a Catch)

When Does Squid Game Season 3 Come Out?

Thankfully it won’t be too much longer before we get to see how Squid Game ends as Season 3 of the series will be making its worldwide debut with Netflix on June 27th. It’s yet to be revealed how many episodes this final season will be running for, but it’s got quite a lot to pick up from with the end of the second season. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously opened up about turning this final story into two seasons, “When I first wrote the story of Seasons 2 and 3 it was one long story arc.”

Elaborating further, “And I was originally planning to write this story across a span of about eight to nine episodes, but once I finished the story, it came to over 10 episodes, which I thought was too long to contain in a single season.” He even brought the second season to its end with its cliffhanger to give this part of Gi-Hun’s arc closure, “And so I wanted to have an adequate point where I could give closure as a second season and then move on with the third.”

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Lee Joo-Sil, star of Squid Game, The Uncanny Counter and more, has died at the age of 81. As reported by The Chosun Ilbo in Korea, Lee passed away at her family home in Uijeongbu at the age of 81 due to stomach cancer. Lee had been diagnosed with stomach cancer last November, and revealed that she had fought cancer many years before. As reported by Deadline, Lee’s funeral service is currently scheduled for February 5th at Sinchon Severance Hospital in South Korea. In that report as well, it was detailed that Lee was previously diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer over 30 years ago and was only given a year’s worth of time life, but overcame that.

Lee Joo-Sil will likely be recognized by fans who watched quite a lot of live-action Korean dramas on Netflix. The streaming service is host to many of her starring roles such as Squid Game, in which she plays Hwang Jun-Ho’s mother, or The Uncanny Counter, where she starred as So Mun’s grandmother. But that’s only scratching the surface of her many decades long career which includes multiple TV shows, movies and more before her passing.

RELATED: Squid Game Shares First Look At Season 3 With Its Release Date

R.I.P. Lee Joo-Sil (1944-2025)

Lee Joo-Sil can be seen in Squid Game as Hwang Jun-Ho (Wi Ha-Joon) and Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun)’s mother, Park Mal-soon. She was revealed to be quite the caring mother who was worried about both of her sons as they have been caught within the chaos of Squid Game‘s two season run thus far. She has plenty of experience with these rougher kind of experiences in live-action dramas, however, as fan can also see her in The Uncanny Counter, where she plays So Mun’s grandmother, who has a degenerative mental illness.

She’s got a ton of experience playing notable mothers in Korea media too as she was also briefly heard as the mother to fellow Squid Game star Gong Yoo’s Seok-Woo in Train to Busan. This is likely one of her most notable to fans outside of Korea as well, and fans can also check it out on Netflix along with episodes of Squid Game and The Uncanny Counter in order to celebrate her long life and career with breakout roles such as these. But there are plenty to enjoy.

ComicBook would like to extend our condolences to Lee Joo-Sil’s family, friends and loved ones in this very difficult time.

HT – Deadline

The post Netflix’s Squid Game Star Lee Joo-Sil Dies at 81 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game is gearing up to return later this Summer with its third and final season, but the creator behind it all teased that there could be a continuation down the line with a catch. Squid Game has been an explosive breakout hit for Netflix, and it’s come as a surprise as the Korean drama series quickly took over the world as fast as it did. It wasn’t just the first season that was a success either as Season 2 has been an even bigger hit for Netflix since it dropped last December. But soon it will all come to an end.

Squid Game might be ending Seung Gi-Hun’s story with Season 3 coming later this Summer, but the original series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk isn’t exactly ruling out continuing with more of the story after Season 3. There’s a bit of a catch to a continuation, however, as Hwang stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he’s thinking “more along the lines of a spinoff” with a new character’s story at the center for whatever could be coming next.

Could Squid Game Get a Spinoff?

Squid Game series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has notably gone on record following the end of the first season that he didn’t have an idea then in mind for Season 2. But as the final season approaches, the creator then explained how the story for a Season 2 naturally spread into two parts for two full seasons bringing the story to an end. It seems that the writing process for the story has also opened up the creator to potentially exploring new characters and stories within this universe later, “When we were doing season one, I was saying there was never going to be another season,” Hwang stated to The Hollywood Reporter.

But the catch here is the fact that the creator wants to come up with a different character or story within this universe, and let the idea for a spinoff naturally come that way, “And so if the time comes, and it just so happens that I’m able to come up with a character or a different story, then maybe there might be a comeback,” Hwang continued. “But I’m thinking more along the lines of a spinoff.” In fact, Hwang has also been very adamant with previous interviews that Netflix is going to continue the Squid Game franchise with or without him at the center of it.

Squid Game Is Going to Continue Either Way

“I know Netflix has a plan [for more Squid Game]. They are not going to throw this idea away,” Hwang told The Wrap in an interview following Squid Game Season 2’s premiere. “Maybe I’ll be in one of those projects as an advisor or co-creator. Who knows?…But Season 3 is not going to be the end of the Squid Game universe.” These plans have already been revealed too with both an American version of the series in the works with David Fincher, and a second season of the reality game show competition, Squid Game: The Challenge.

But what fans would likely be looking for more is a proper continuation of the Squid Game universe from its creator. Depending on how Season 3 ends the story, there might still be a universe to explore after Gi-Hun’s day is done. But we’ll see for ourselves soon enough as Squid Game Season 3 is gearing up for its final season on June 27th with Netflix. After the finale, fans will be able to ask all sorts of questions about what could be coming next with that added context.

HT – THR

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Netflix has shared a new key image for the third season of Squid Game, foreshadowing what viewers can expect for the final set of episodes of the worldwide phenomenon. The second season had lead protagonist Seong Gi-hun trapped in another set of deadly games made for the viewing pleasure of rich benefactors. Gi-hun spends the majority of the season trying to get the Front Man, the mysterious overseer of the games. Squid Game Season 2 became another international hit, becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched seasons of television ever. The popularity of Squid Game has led to a surplus of merchandise and spin-offs, including Squid Game: The Challenge.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Squid Game Season 2!

At the end of Season 2, Gi-hun convinced a small group of players to start an uprising within the games, stealing guns from the guards and attempting to make their way to the control center. However, his uprising failed, and most of Gi-hun’s allies were gunned down, including his lifelong friend Park Jung-bae. Gi-hun himself is spared but captured by Hwang In-ho, known as the Front Man, who integrated himself into the games as Player 001. The new promo for Squid Game Season 3 shows the aftermath of Gi-hun’s failed uprising, with him handcuffed to one of the bunk beds on the main floor for players, blood visible on his shoulders. A shadowy figure looms over him as Gi-hun looks at them with a defeated look.

[RELATED – Squid Game Season 2 Ending Explained (& What Comes Next)]

Squid Game Season 3 Promo Hints at Gi-hun’s Front Man Reckoning

The shadowy figure is hinted to be the Front Man, but considering the way the image is shot, the figure could also just be one of the guards. Front Man has been impersonating an average player in the games, copying the same trick Oh Il-nam pulled in the first season. He formed a false bond with Gi-hun and his group, aiding them in the games while also taunting them behind their backs. If it is the Front Man in the promo image, he could be confronting Gi-hun to gloat about his failed uprising that led to the deaths of his biggest allies. Gi-hun never discovered Player 001 was the Front Man in Season 2, despite his suspicions, so the promo image could be the Front Man revealing the truth to him.

Squid Game Season 2 only covered three of the six games players are supposed to participate in. Viewers already assume the last three games will make up the majority of the third season, which will be the final one for the show. Watchers also speculated that given Gi-hun’s survival, the character will still play the remaining games. With Gi-hun back in the main player room against his will, the key image heavily suggests he will play the remaining games against his will. Gi-hun has thus far survived nine games in the series, does he have any chance of surviving the remaining three?

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While Squid Game’s Season 3 may be coming out sooner than expected, the show certainly leaves behind a void. With its high-stakes games and clever social commentary, Squid Game had fans hooked from the very start. After its second season’s shocking end, fans have simply been itching for more. However, while the Netflix series is a wonderful execution of the death game trope, it is not the only one to do so. The trope has existed in manga for a long time, each of which takes its own twists on the genre.

From being forced to compete in mecha-powered death games for the survival of their world to having to learn how to lie to avoid a life-changing debt, these manga explore human nature and morality. Just how far will one go to ensure their own survival or win a life-changing amount of money? Those are the questions these manga try to answer using increasingly graphic scenarios where the high stakes couldn’t be higher. All the while taking readers on a wild ride that will keep them entertained and give them much to think about. 

Alice in Borderland

Boasting a TV adaptation of the same name, Alice in Borderland features depressed high school student Arisu Ryouhei, who is about to graduate but unsure of his future. His life turns upside down when he and his friends Karube and Chota see fireworks and lose consciousness. When they wake up, they are in a post-apocalyptic world called Borderlands.

Here, Arisu and his friends are forced to play deadly games with their very lives on the line. Anyone who loses a game or refuses to play is brutally killed. As the three friends try to survive and figure out the truth behind this new, dangerous reality, Squid Game fans will soon find themselves on the edge of their seats.  

Tomodachi Game

High school student Yuuichi Katagiri has always valued friendship above everything else. But that changes when he and his friends are brought to a strange room and told one of the friends is responsible. The group is then forced to play a series of games to settle a large debt.

The only way to win the Tomodachi Game is to not doubt your friends. But as tensions run high, Yuuichi’s trust in his friends is tested. As secrets are uncovered and betrayals suffered, this psychological thriller manga becomes more and more like the renowned Squid Game, especially in light of Season 2’s ending.

Liar Game

College student Nao Kanzaki is the most honest person you’ll ever meet. One day, she receives a package with 100 million yen and an invite to the “Liar Game Tournament.” The rules are simple: Nao must steal other players’ money who will attempt to do the same to her, and after 30 days, each player must return the 100 million yen they originally received.

If they fail to do so, they will end up in debt, but they can keep anything extra stolen from other players as personal profit. Initially, Nao decides not to participate, simply safekeeping the money until she needs to return it. But when the 100 million yen is stolen from her, Nao is left with no choice but to learn how to lie. 

Darwin’s Game

When 17-year-old Kaname Suduo gets invited to play an online video game, he easily accepts. But unbeknownst to him, Darwin’s Game is actually a game of life and death. Forced to compete, Kaname uses his unique abilities to survive and try to find the Game Master, whom he must kill to escape.

While Darwin’s Game lacks the social commentary and psychological depth that’s made Squid Game a fan favorite, it more than makes up for it with its beautiful art and strategic fights. With 10 million copies circulating as of 2024, fans clearly resonate with Darwin’s Game’s delivery. It’s a fan-pleasing change of pace, making this action shonen a refreshing take on the death game trope.

[RELATED – 10 Genius Anime Characters & Their Smartest Moments]

As The Gods Will

Shun Takahata is a below-average student whose life takes a dark turn when he witnesses his teacher’s head explode. Shun and his classmates are then forced to survive deadly games. The first of which, much like Squid Game, is a deadly game of red-light-green-light.

A doll watches the students as they are forced to play for their lives. Anyone who moves while the doll is looking dies. As all of his classmates die one by one, Shun ends up the sole survivor, winning the game by pressing the button on the doll’s back. Unfortunately, this doesn’t put an end to the series of games. However, unlike Squid Game, Shun has no reward to look forward to.

Battle Royale

Adapted from Koushun Takami’s novel of the same name, the Battle Royale manga is a death game classic. The story starts with protagonist Shuuya and his class believing they are on their way to their graduation ceremony. Instead, the class is taken to an isolated island and forced to wear explosive collars around their necks.

Then, Shuuya and his classmates are told they must kill everyone else to win and leave the island alive. If anyone refuses to participate, their explosive collar denotes. Much like Squid Game, what follows is a high-stakes story of the lengths humans will go to survive. 

Gantz

Gantz is unique in the death game genre in that its participants are already dead. High school students Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato lose their lives trying to save a homeless drunk. But in a surprising twist, they are brought back to life and given a series of missions. 

These missions usually involve killing alien invaders inhabiting Earth. The participants receive points for completing them. And once a participant has enough points, they can get a second chance at the life they once had. 

Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven follows the world’s largest luxury ship of the same name as it encounters a wrecked ship in the middle of the ocean. On the captain’s command, the crew searches the wrecked ship and finds two survivors. One of whom is heavily injured while the other is in perfect health.

This is the audience’s first hint that something might be wrong, and as the crew brings the two survivors on board, a nightmare begins for staff and passengers alike. As people are murdered one by one, the ship’s captain must figure out the motives of the one responsible and put an end to his madness. The manga’s premise is almost similar to the game Among Us, but what makes it appealing to the Squid Game fans is the air of mystery and betrayal surrounding the ship.

Life Is Money

Fukurokouji Meguru needs 100 million yen for his sister’s heart transplant, and no matter how hard he works, he can’t raise the money. When all hope seems lost, Meguru is invited to compete in The Nightmare Game. The rules are simple. Meguru and nine others must live in a complex for 10 days for 50 million yen each. 

However, if a participant does not survive, their prize money is divided among the remaining contestants, motivating the participants to kill each other. Interestingly, physical violence is prohibited. But if any participant experiences strong emotions making their heart rate rise above a certain threshold, they are killed. Much like Squid Game, Life is Money’s cast uses psychological warfare to eliminate other contestants, all for a life-changing sum of money.

Bokurano

Bokurano takes a different approach to the death game trope, seemingly starting out as a typical mecha manga. A group of middle schoolers come across a cave where they make a contract with mysterious Kokopelli to play a series of games. What they don’t know is that they are actually agreeing to pilot the giant mecha Zearth against other similar mechas to save Earth from destruction.

When the first Zearth pilot dies, a darker reality surfaces. The children learn that they must use their life energy to pilot Zearth, sacrificing their lives in the process. This living nightmare only becomes worse when the kids realize the ones they are fighting are also kids from different Earths, fighting to preserve their own realities in a massive death game.

The post 10 Best Death Game Manga Like Squid Game appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Squid Game’s second season ended on quite the cliffhanger, placing the contestants of the death game into a scenario that makes the situation seem far darker than even the first season. While protagonist Seong Gi-hun returned to the brutal contest in an effort to both save those involved and bring the game down from the inside, season two also introduced some big new characters to the proceeding. “Thanos The Rapper” and “Cho Hyun-ju” were some of the biggest new contestants but a soldier on the other side of the aisle got her own time to shine. In the final season’s latest preview, a plot twist might be hiding in plain sight.

Warning. If you have yet to see the latest season of Squid Game, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into spoiler territory. Soldier 011, aka Kang No-eul, was introduced in such a way in season two that viewers were led to believe that she was being set to up to become a contestant. However, at the end of season two’s second episode, Kang is recruited to be a soldier for the Squid Game, showing no fear in gunning down contestants who failed their challenges. Since many of the soldiers are more than willing to sell the organs of the deceased for a quick buck, No-eul finds herself in a troubling situation.

[RELATED: Squid Game Shares First Look At Season 3 With Its Release Date]

Kang is Loose

From the new preview image released, which you can check out above, you can see that Soldier 011 isn’t just not wearing her mask but is doing so outside of her room. In the first two seasons, none of the soldiers would take off their masks during the games themselves, as this was a key rule for those involved. With the new promo seeing Kang No-eul standing in an environment that is clearly not her room, this might lead to 011 rebelling against the system.

One of the biggest elements of No-eul’s character was the fact that she showed remorse and care for an ill girl whose father joined the games to help out his daughter. With the doomed dad seemingly dying in the season two finale, this might be the impetus for Kang to finally rebel against her current employers. This also works in terms of her fellow soldiers that were more than willing to kill her should 011 impede their plans of harvesting organs.

Squid Game Season 3: All The Details

Squid Game’s third and final season will arrive on June 27th this summer. Luckily, along with some new promotional images, Netflix also released a new description of the story that will end the blockbuster, “Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after losing his best friend in the game and being driven to utter despair by The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who was hiding his true identity to infiltrate the game. Gi-hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues onto his next move and the surviving players’ choices will lead to graver consequences with each round.”

Want to see what surprises lie in store for those who survived the first two seasons of Squid Game? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Squid Game Season 3 Teases One Soldier’s Potential Plot Twist appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With Squid Game’s second season ending on quite the cliffhanger, Netflix has dropped some good news for fans wondering what is next for the life-or-death game. Set to land this summer, not only has the streaming service dropped a description of what we can expect from the third and final season but has also dropped some big reveals via this first preview. Following just how devastating season two’s events were, it seems that the platform is preparing fans for a diabolical finale not just with this new look but by also confirming when season three will land on the small screen.

Warning. If you have not yet watched Squid Game Season 2, be forewarned that this preview has spoilers for the season finale. Squid Game season three will arrive on Netflix on June 27th this summer, following an epic run for season two. A new description of season three gives death game fans a better understanding of what is to come and Gi-hun’s current mental state, “Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after losing his best friend in the game and being driven to utter despair by The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who was hiding his true identity to infiltrate the game. Gi-hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues onto his next move and the surviving players’ choices will lead to graver consequences with each round.”

[RELATED: Squid Game Actor Talks Hesitation in Playing Trans Woman (And What Changed Their Mind)]

Squid Game Season 3: The Final Game

While the next season will be the main series grand finale, this doesn’t mean that Squid Game writer/director Hwang Dong-hyuk is finished with this universe. In a new interview with THR, Dong-hyuk confirms that there might be spin-offs in the franchise’s future, “When we were doing season one, I was saying there was never going to be another season. And so if the time comes, and it just so happens that I’m able to come up with a character or a different story, then maybe there might be a comeback. But I’m thinking more along the lines of a spinoff.” Alongside this commentary, Netflix also released several new images from the upcoming season that you can check out below.

How Did Season 2 End?

As mentioned earlier, main character Seong Gi-hun has seen better days. Squid Game’s second season finale saw Seong attempting to lead a rebellion of the contestants aiming to eliminate those who run the game. Unfortunately, since “The Front Man” has been hiding amongst the contestants the entire time, Gi-hun’s plan was destined to fail. Viewers witnessed many characters meeting their ultimate fate in some of the terrifying contests that make up the Netflix series in season two but there are still plenty of challengers still vying for the prize money, even following the failed rebellion.

Want to see what other surprises that the Squid Game has in store? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Seong Gi-hun and friends and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via THR

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Squid Game’s second season once again saw Seong Gi-hun dragged into the life-or-death games, with new challenges sent his way. Obviously, since the protagonist was the only survivor of the initial games, many of the figures from the first season didn’t make a comeback for season two. When it came to the new contestants searching to buy a new life for themselves, one of the most controversial is Cho Hyun-ju. A trans-woman in the series, the character was played by a cisgender man, actor Park Sung-hoon, who recently discussed both the controversy and why they decided to stay in the role.

In speaking with entertainment outlet Variety, Sung-hoon discussed scoring the role and his concerns in joining the cast as Hyun-ju, “I was quite amazed at the opportunity — I felt like as an actor it was going to be quite the challenge. I did have concerns about portraying a trans woman because I am a cisgender man, so I really wanted to approach it as cautiously and thoughtfully as possible.” In preparing for the role, Park made mention of the fact that he consulted transgender people to learn from them and better forge his take on the role of one of Squid Game’s biggest new characters.

[RELATED: Squid Game Fans Surprised by the Best “Well-Rounded” New Character in Season 2]

Squid Game’s Most Controversial Character

Park shared his hopes regarding how he hopes that his Squid Game character will get rid of biases for many of the viewers that turned into the popular Netflix series, “I really hope that Hyun-ju will play a part in maybe getting rid of some of those biases. I hope that people who belong in those communities will no longer feel discriminated against or experience disadvantages within society. I hope that everyone can be true to who they really are and feel confident in doing so.”

Sung-hoon also discussed the changes that he made to the character when season two was filming, “I was the one that came up with her having short bangs and in the scene where she explains to the others how to use the MP5 submachine gun, I suggested the idea of adding the last ‘Understood’ line, because I felt like when she asks that, it really makes her strong and fierce. It shows you that she’s an ex-Special Forces soldier.”

The actor also mentioned the fan response that he has received so far, “Honestly, so much that I can’t read every single one of them. They thanked me for portraying Hyun-ju, for being loyal to her and doing her justice. And I loved comments saying that they had never seen a trans character like this before and how it was empowering for them. So reading these comments, part of me feels relief and a lot of pride.”

The Future of Cho Hyun-ju in Squid Game

Following the uprising of the contestants against the runners of the Squid Game, Hyun-ju was able to survive the event and is already confirmed to have a big role in season three. Set to arrive this summer, a specific release date has yet to be officially revealed for this final season but it’s sure to end with a bang. It will ultimately be interesting to see if Netflix continues the franchise following season three considering just how popular the Squid Game is.

Want to stay in the loop when it comes to Netflix’s top death game? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Squid Game and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Variety

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