Since its explosive debut in 2021, Squid Game has become more than just a Netflix phenomenon — it has reshaped global entertainment and brought South Korean storytelling to unprecedented heights. With Season 3 now out and delivering another jaw-dropping, emotional, and violent conclusion, fans around the world are left asking: What’s next? Will the series continue with a fourth season? Will international creators — particularly from the West — take over its direction and creative legacy? Or will Squid Game end forever, sealed as a cultural time capsule?
In this article, we’ll explore all the possible directions the Squid Game franchise could take after Season 3, including the rumors of Western influence, the intentions of its original creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, and the impact on global television storytelling.
A Quick Recap: What Made Squid Game So Powerful?
When Squid Game launched on Netflix in September 2021, it became an overnight global sensation. The story of desperate contestants risking their lives in brutal children’s games for a massive cash prize resonated with audiences everywhere. Its brutal critique of capitalism, inequality, and the human condition struck a universal nerve. Created by South Korean director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show combined intense storytelling with strong social commentary, emotional depth, and a unique visual style.
Season 1 ended with Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) rejecting his chance to escape and instead deciding to take down the shadowy organization behind the games. Season 2 continued this arc, pushing Gi-hun deeper into a web of global elites and moral complexity. By Season 3, the show became more international, suggesting the games were not just a South Korean issue but a global epidemic, possibly run by a network of powerful figures from all over the world.
What Season 3 Revealed About the Future
Season 3 expanded the Squid Game universe beyond Korea. With more involvement from Western characters, new locations, and elite spectators from different nationalities, the show made it clear: the organization behind the games is global.
This raised a crucial question: Is Squid Game preparing for a handoff to Western storytellers? Or is this just a narrative tool, while the soul of the story remains rooted in Korean hands?
Creator’s Vision: What Does Hwang Dong-hyuk Say?
Hwang Dong-hyuk has been very vocal about his vision for the series. In interviews, he revealed that writing Season 1 was deeply personal and emotionally draining, and he never expected it to become a franchise. After its global success, Netflix reportedly offered him substantial creative freedom (and funding) for Seasons 2 and 3.
Hwang has stated that Squid Game is a critique of modern capitalism — a theme deeply tied to Korea’s own economic history, but also universally understood. He has also expressed discomfort with the idea of handing over the series entirely to foreign creators. To him, the authenticity of Squid Game lies in its cultural roots, and he believes only someone with lived Korean experience can tell it with full integrity.
Still, with growing pressure from global studios and the massive commercial success of the show, the possibility of collaboration — or eventual creative shift — can’t be ruled out.
Western Involvement: A Risk to the Soul of Squid Game?
As Squid Game becomes more international in scope, many fans are worried: Will the Western entertainment industry, known for remakes and reboots, dilute the show’s core identity?
Netflix is an American company, and with the show’s global appeal, it wouldn’t be surprising if executives are considering ways to expand the franchise beyond Korea — perhaps with spin-offs, prequels, or even remakes set in Western countries.
But would this be a good thing?
History tells us that when Hollywood adapts or takes over non-Western content, the results are often disappointing. Cultural nuance is lost, messaging becomes sanitized, and original creators lose control over their vision. Turning Squid Game into a franchise like The Hunger Games or The Purge may lead to big profits, but it could also damage its reputation as a work of art.
Hwang’s resistance to giving up creative control has so far protected Squid Game from this fate. But how long can that last?
Possibility of a Spin-Off Universe?
With Season 3 closing some storylines while opening new doors, Netflix might not continue Squid Game as a main storyline but instead explore spin-offs:
- International Versions: The games could be shown taking place in other countries — a Squid Game: USA or Squid Game: Brazil — each with local contestants, cultural twists, and new games based on childhood traditions.
- Prequels: Fans are still curious about the origins of the Front Man, the creation of the games, and the inner workings of the VIP world. A deep-dive series on the foundation of the organization would attract attention.
- The VIPs’ Perspective: A darker, political drama that explores the rich elites who fund the game, their psychology, and their influence could be a different but intriguing angle.
These options might allow the Squid Game brand to live on without diluting the original story — if handled carefully.
Could It All End Here?
There’s also the strong possibility that Season 3 is the final chapter.
The ending of Season 3 — without giving full spoilers — leaves a sense of conclusion. While some doors remain open, the character arcs and the philosophical message seem to come full circle. If Squid Game ends now, it would go out on a high note, avoiding the risk of “franchise fatigue.”
It would also respect Hwang’s artistic integrity. Ending it here allows the show to remain a trilogy with global impact — a masterpiece that wasn’t stretched thin just for profits.
What Fans Want: Quality Over Quantity
Across social media, the Squid Game fanbase is divided. Some crave more seasons, more lore, more games. Others beg for a proper ending before the show becomes repetitive or loses its soul. One thing is clear: fans want authenticity. They don’t want a watered-down version of Squid Game with generic Western tropes or forced Hollywood plotlines.
A balanced path forward would be:
- Let Hwang Dong-hyuk decide the main storyline’s future.
- If expanding the universe, involve diverse but culturally respectful storytellers.
- Avoid turning Squid Game into just another action-thriller franchise.
Conclusion: A Legacy Hanging in the Balance
So, what’s next after Squid Game Season 3?
Nothing is confirmed — but many paths lie ahead. The show could end now, cementing itself as one of the greatest limited-run series of all time. Or it could grow into an international universe with multiple voices and spin-offs. But if Western creators take full control, the risk of losing what made Squid Game special is real.
At its heart, Squid Game is about survival, inequality, and the human cost of greed. Those themes are global — but they need careful storytelling to resonate deeply. The challenge now is whether Netflix and the entertainment industry can respect that legacy — or whether commercial ambition will take over.
Whatever happens, Squid Game has already changed TV history. But its future? That remains the biggest game of all.