Squid Game creator reveals Season 3 ending wasn't the original plan; shocking twist sets stage for more deadly games
Netflix
. Both viewers and critics have given the new season, which debuted on Friday, June 27, various reactions, particularly regarding the finale.
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Hwang Dong-hyuk
, the show's creator, has now disclosed that the conclusion we saw wasn't his original purpose.
Both sadness and a hint of hope are present in the Squid Game Season 3 finale. It concludes the journey of Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who makes the greatest sacrifice of all—giving his life to ensure that the newborn daughter of Jun-hee and Myung-gi survives the dangerous games. The infant becomes the "last one standing" in a symbolic sense.
Even In-ho, also known as the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun), is moved by Gi-hun's last deed. The Front Man, who is extremely cold and cruel, displays a rare act of kindness. In recognition of Gi-hun's sacrifice, he picks up the infant from the arena and makes sure she gets the entire 45.6 billion won prize money.
The conclusion was drastically modified
As reported by Variety, Hwang said, 'When I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do in Seasons 2 and 3, I had a different ending in mind.'
"But while writing the characters and shaping Gi-hun's story, I realized this should not be the way it ends. The new ending made more sense emotionally and was better for his character.'
Variety further quoted Hwang revealing that, in his original draft, Gi-hun was supposed to make the opposite decision in the finale. 'It was a very drastic change from my first idea to what ended up being the final story,' he said.
The Front Man compared to Gi-hun
Gi-hun and the Front Man's disagreements are a major theme of Season 3.
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While The Front Man has lost all faith in humanity and believes that people are naturally self-centered, Gi-hun thinks that people are generally good and kind. The season's emotional high point, their final dispute, is the result of this conflict.
The scene where Gi-hun, who is tempted to murder people while they are sleeping in order to survive, sees a vision of his Season 1 friend Sae-byeok (played by HoYeon Jung) is among the most impactful.
"You're not that kind of person," she reminds him. He is brought back to reality by these words.
This moment was crucial, according to Hwang. 'It had to be simple but strong. Sae-byeok's words were the best way to stop Gi-hun from crossing a line.'
What Comes Next?
Even though Gi-hun's story and Hwang's involvement with the series are ending with this season, there are hints that Squid Game might go on. A future game in Los Angeles is hinted at by the appearance of a new Recruiter (Cate Blanchett) in the closing scenes.
'Even though the story has closure, I think it leaves behind a sense of longing,' Hwang said. "So maybe, if the timing is right, there's a chance for more stories someday.'
Squid Game Season 3 is currently available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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