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Squid Game mastermind Hwang Dong-hyuk has delivered a rather disheartening update on the much-anticipated English-language spin-off of the smash-hit series from Netflix.

The South Korean sensation wrapped up its third and climactic season with a jaw-dropping and contentious finale to protagonist Seong Gi-hun's journey, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae.

Yet, the gripping narrative is set to forge ahead, following last year's buzz that acclaimed director David Fincher was poised to steer an American adaptation.

This appeared to be confirmed for the legions of devoted viewers when none other than Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett graced the screen as a mysterious recruiter in the season's last episode.

In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Hwang divulged his swift decision to cast a female counterpart to Gong Yoo's beloved character, reports the Mirror US.

"It's a very short scene," he said. "There's only one line, so we needed someone who had that level of presence and charisma to completely dominate the screen in that instant.

"And that naturally led me to Cate Blanchett. I've always been a fan of hers.

"She's someone who can instantly grab your attention with a single stare. So that's how we set on her."

Blanchett's cameo sees her engaging in ddakji, a traditional Korean game, potentially recruiting a new player while the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) observes from a car in Los Angeles.

She gazes at him with a knowing look and continues the game, hinting that the twisted competition might also be unfolding in America.

Although it was Hwang's choice to cast Blanchett for the brief part, the creator regrettably can't confirm if this will segue into the US sequel series.

"Honestly, nothing has been said to me officially by Netflix about this," he confessed.

"I've only read it in articles myself as well. I've always been a huge fan of David Fincher's work - from Se7en - and I've loved his films.

"So if he were to create an American Squid Game, I think that would be very interesting to watch.

"I would definitely click on it immediately after it's released, if it were to happen."

Squid Game enthusiasts across the globe are certain to tune in when the spin-off eventually emerges.

Yet, despite this being the most substantial hint at the spin-off to date, Netflix seems not quite ready to make any official announcements following Blanchett's unexpected cameo.

Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix.