Kate Blanchett has officially entered the game. The Oscar-winning actress made a surprise appearance in the final episode of Netflix's Squid Game 3, stealing the scene as a mysterious new recruiter.

🎭 A New Face in the Game: The 'Ddakji Girl'

The highly anticipated third season of Squid Game dropped on June 27, reigniting the twisted survival saga. Viewers followed the return of Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), a masked Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), and a host of new and familiar players clinging to life. But the biggest twist came in the final scene, where the game headed to the backstreets of Los Angeles.

There, Front Man plays a round of the infamous Ddakji game—and that's when Blanchett appears in a sleek suit and neat blonde bun, delivering a sharp slap with poise. Her chilling eye contact with Front Man left a lasting impression despite the brevity of the scene.

🎬 Why Blanchett? Director Hwang Explains

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed the casting choice at Netflix's Tudum 2025 event, saying, "Having a woman as the recruiter felt more dramatic and compelling."

He continued, "Kate Blanchett has unmatched charisma. I needed someone who could command the screen with just a few lines—and she was perfect."

🎥 A U.S. Version of Squid Game Coming Soon?

Blanchett's cameo has sparked rumors of a potential American spin-off, though nothing has been confirmed. Hwang has previously denied any additional seasons beyond spin-offs, leaving fans to speculate.

🧩 Mixed Reactions for Season 3

While fans welcomed familiar faces and new twists, Squid Game 3 has drawn criticism for lacking the originality of Season 1. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season scored a lukewarm 52 out of 100.