Squid Game creator reveals why he changed original Season 3 ending

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In a surprising twist, the third season finale of Squid Game concluded the series with high drama, but as per the creator’s revelation, that thrilling conclusion could have been vastly different.

In just its first three days, Squid Game’s third season garnered an astounding 60.1 million views on Netflix, making it the most-watched series ever released by the streaming platform.

As a gaming enthusiast diving deep into the world of Squid Game, don’t miss out on unraveling the thrilling ending by checking out our comprehensive explainer! Discover who makes a surprise appearance in the climactic finale and how Season 3 prepares for an intriguing spinoff that promises to keep us hooked.

In an interesting twist, not everything that viewers witnessed on-screen was strictly according to the original plan, as the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, reveals. [SPOILER ALERT]

Sometimes what we saw on TV wasn’t exactly the initial idea, according to the show’s maker, Hwang Dong-hyuk. (SPOILERS ahead)

Squid Game ending changed to send “message to the world”

In a poignant twist, Squid Game concludes as protagonist Gi-hun selflessly gives up his life to protect an innocent baby, offering a tearful yet uplifting and somewhat optimistic finale amidst the series’ unyielding pessimism. Interestingly though, as per creator Hwang, initially it was written for Gi-hun to survive the climax.

Hwang explained to The Hollywood Reporter that while he can’t claim it as an entirely unique conclusion, he had a general plan for wrapping up the story from the start. Specifically, he intended for Gi-hun to finish the game and then travel to America to see his daughter. Originally, Hwang envisioned someone seeing the American recruiter woman as being Gi-hun.

As I delved into crafting the narrative, I found myself pondering questions like, “What message do I aim to convey through the conclusion?” and “What path should Gi-hun traverse, and where does he ultimately end up?” These considerations were vital in shaping the direction of my story.

Game over.

The final season of Squid Game is now playing.

— Netflix (@netflix) June 27, 2025

As I saw more of global events unfold, it seemed appropriate for Gi-hun’s message to have a strong and meaningful impact worldwide. This is how I envision the story concluding.

As a gamer, I pondered over the grim future that seems to be looming. It’s not just one aspect, but a multitude of ways that things are deteriorating. The question that crossed my mind was: ‘What kind of sacrifices must our generation make now, so we can pass on a brighter world to the generations to come?’ With this thought, I envisioned Gi-hun’s sacrifice as a powerful symbol of the selfless actions needed in such times.

Hwang Dong-hyuk on meaning of final scene

After the demise of Gi-hun, as the Front Man discovers his American counterpart in Los Angeles, this sequence is intended to underscore the message that the themes which sparked the creation of Squid Game remain pertinent and ongoing globally.

Hwang clarifies in the interview that he never intended to sadden the audience with the ending, but the final scene’s premise was that the Front Man wasn’t certain about the presence of other international games and recruiters. Therefore, even he was surprised and shocked to discover a recruiter in America, which happened by chance.

By weaving the tale of Gi-hun’s selflessness, I aimed to express themes of resilience and sacrifice, emphasizing their importance even in the face of adversity. The final scene serves to underscore that the system, being as powerful and entrenched as it is, demands our unwavering determination and persistence to bring about change.

Watch Squid Game Seasons 1-3, currently available on Netflix. Discover reasons why this series might pose challenges for North Korea, uncover the rule Hide and Seek breaks, delve into the hidden meanings behind the show’s shapes, and learn why a Season 4 may not be in the works. Additionally, explore other exciting new TV shows streaming this month!

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2025-07-02 17:19