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Subscribe from just £3 Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love Try a single issue or save on a subscription Issues delivered straight to your door or device From£9.99View Best Netflix Movies Best movies on Disney Plus Movie Release Dates Best Netflix Shows Recommended reading Horror Shows Squid Game season 3 ending explained: who dies, what are the games and do they end, and what happens to Player 456 and the Front Man Horror Shows Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk is still wondering if the season 3 ending is "good or not," but star Lee Jung-jae calls it the most "entertaining ending possible" Horror Shows Squid Game season 3: Everything you need to know about the Netflix show's final season Horror Shows Who does [SPOILER] play in Squid Game season 3? Horror Shows Does Squid Game season 3 set up a spin-off? Horror Shows Squid Game creator gets candid about the likelihood of Netflix spin-off show Thriller Shows As the third and final season approaches, Squid Game creator says a potential spin-off would "show that they did" between season 1 and 2 Entertainment Streaming Services Squid Game creator reveals that devastating finale moment wasn't in the original plan – and why it had to happen [spoiler] Nick Staniforth 28 June 2025 Hwang Dong-hyuk wasn't playing games with that ending When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Netflix) Squid Game finally met its final round this week with the release of its third season, and the show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has spilled the beans (via Tudum) on perhaps one of the show's most heartbreaking exits. It's here that we press pause and advise that there are major spoilers ahead, so turn back now if you haven't finished the game yet. Still with us? Well, great. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about the enigmatic Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who did his best to bring down the games, only to sacrifice himself for the good of Player 222, Jun-hee’s (Jo Yuri) baby. The decision to kill off the show's lead wasn't initially set in stone, but as the development of seasons 2 and 3 progressed, Hwang accepted what needed to be done. It's a heroic act for the show's leading man, but one that meant so much more than saving the game's youngest player. “The message I wanted to communicate was that if we solely pursue our immediate self-interest, and refuse to self-restrain, sacrifice, or bear any costs — and if we don’t put our heads together — we have no future,” Hwang explained. “ Gi-hun’s self-sacrifice to save the baby is the message we need to hear today. This character, who is thrust into the game, endures everything, and then jumps back in to end it, is the one who should deliver this message.” And yet, even with this sacrifice and the baby safely leaving the island with the prize funds, the games aren't over, as revealed in the show's final moments. To many fans' shock, Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) was seen pulling up on a side street, where he saw a recruiter, played by Cate Blanchett (crazy, right?), luring another unsuspecting civilian into the tournament. “I thought it was an incredible ending that no one could predict,” confesses Lee. “Despite all the noble efforts of so many people, the world still continues as it was before.” You may like Squid Game season 3 ending explained: who dies, what are the games and do they end, and what happens to Player 456 and the Front Man Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk is still wondering if the season 3 ending is "good or not," but star Lee Jung-jae calls it the most "entertaining ending possible" Squid Game season 3: Everything you need to know about the Netflix show's final season It certainly marks an interesting appearance, especially since Blanchett has previously worked with director David Fincher, who is planning to adapt the series for a US version on Netflix. Is this a one-time gig for the Oscar winner, or might we see her in Fincher's take whenever that hits our screens? For now, we'll have to wait, but while we do, take a look at our list of the 25 best Netflix shows you can watch right now. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Nick Staniforth Social Links Navigation Contributing Writer Nick is a freelancer whose work can be found at Screen Rant, The Digital Fix, and Looper. He loves movies, TV, DC, and Marvel. He also believes that the best Robin Hood is still a talking fox. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Squid Game season 3 ending explained: who dies, what are the games and do they end, and what happens to Player 456 and the Front Man Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk is still wondering if the season 3 ending is "good or not," but star Lee Jung-jae calls it the most "entertaining ending possible" Squid Game season 3: Everything you need to know about the Netflix show's final season Who does [SPOILER] play in Squid Game season 3? Does Squid Game season 3 set up a spin-off? Squid Game creator gets candid about the likelihood of Netflix spin-off show Latest in Netflix Who does [SPOILER] play in Squid Game season 3? Does Squid Game season 3 set up a spin-off? 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