The global sensation Squid Game first debuted four years ago, quickly becoming one of Netflix‘s most-watched shows. Recently, the series concluded its third and final season with a surprise cameo by Cate Blanchett, an appearance that sparked widespread excitement about the rumored American spinoff. Blanchett has now spoken out about her unexpected Squid Game cameo and what it could mean for her potential involvement in the new series.
During an interview with Variety, Blanchett revealed that her participation in the show’s finale arrived quite suddenly. She described the experience as highly secretive and intense, involving a quick learning curve on the game‘s mechanics.
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.
—Cate Blanchett, Actress
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Squid Game Role
The actress shared additional details about the filming process, highlighting how she was required to bring her own costume to the set. Although her cameo has so far remained a one-time event, Blanchett expressed openness toward future opportunities in the Squid Game universe, particularly the upcoming American version. She emphasized her admiration for the show’s world-building and broad global impact, which has resonated across many countries and cultures.
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.
—Cate Blanchett, Actress
The Status of the American Squid Game Spinoff and Blanchett’s Role
The American version of Squid Game was officially announced last year, with accomplished filmmaker David Fincher linked to the project. However, few details about the spinoff series have emerged since its reveal. Interestingly, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator and showrunner of Squid Game, shared that the finale of the original series was not intended to set up the American adaptation. Instead, Dong-hyuk designed the ending to reflect a broader theme of systemic cycles, suggesting that dismantling one system would only lead to the rise of another.
Netflix has yet to release any official statement regarding Blanchett’s role in the American spinoff. As such, her cameo in the finale might simply be an Easter egg acknowledging the continued presence of the deadly games. Fans, meanwhile, can look forward to the second season of Squid Game: The Challenge, a reality competition inspired by the series, which premieres this November. Additionally, the first three seasons of Squid Game remain available exclusively on Netflix for viewers worldwide.
What the Future May Hold for Cate Blanchett and Squid Game
Cate Blanchett’s brief but mysterious appearance in Squid Game’s final episode has generated significant interest in how the American spinoff will develop, including whether she will take a leading role. Her readiness to explore further projects within this universe underlines the expanding influence and ambition surrounding Squid Game on a global scale. With the intense anticipation building for the new spinoff and the ongoing popularity of the original series, both fans and industry insiders are eager to see what direction this dark and gripping franchise will take next.
