The Truth About Leonardo DiCaprio's Role In Squid Game Season 3 And The US Remake Dream

The persistent rumor of Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio joining the cast of Netflix's global phenomenon, Squid Game, has captivated fans and dominated entertainment headlines for years. As of December 2025, while the possibility of the Oscar winner appearing in the Korean series remains a tantalizing prospect, the reality is more nuanced, rooted in a director's dream casting and a major clarification from the streaming giant itself. The speculation primarily stems from comments made by the show’s visionary creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has openly expressed his admiration for the actor and his desire to work with him on the franchise.

The latest updates confirm that while Squid Game Season 2 is set to maintain its Korean focus, the door is not entirely closed for a future collaboration. The discussion has now shifted to two distinct possibilities: a cameo role in a potential Season 3, or a lead role in a rumored Americanized remake of the deadly survival drama. Despite a recent report claiming DiCaprio's involvement in the third season, Netflix has officially stepped in to deny the claims, setting the record straight for millions of curious viewers.

Hwang Dong-hyuk's Dream Casting: From US Remake to Season 3 VIP

The entire conversation surrounding Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement in the Squid Game universe began with a bold, yet genuine, wish from the series' writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk. The director, who achieved global acclaim for the record-breaking success of the first season, has consistently named DiCaprio as his ideal choice for a major role in the franchise. This is not just a casual mention; it represents a deep respect for the actor's craft and global star power.

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The American Remake Lead: DiCaprio as the New Gi-Hun?

Hwang Dong-hyuk's initial and most concrete suggestion for DiCaprio’s role was as the lead in a hypothetical U.S. remake of Squid Game. The director revealed that if an English-language version of the hit series were ever to be produced, DiCaprio would be his "first pick" to take on the central role, originally played by Korean actor Lee Jung-jae (as Seong Gi-hun). This concept immediately sparked excitement, imagining the star of films like Titanic and The Revenant navigating the brutal children's games on an American stage. This potential adaptation, while not officially greenlit, remains a compelling thought experiment for fans and industry insiders alike, offering a way to introduce the unique Korean narrative to a broader Western audience with a familiar face.

The Season 3 Hollywood Inclusion Possibility

Beyond the American remake, Hwang Dong-hyuk also addressed the possibility of a Hollywood actor joining the main Korean series. He confirmed that Squid Game Season 2, which is highly anticipated, would be set entirely in Korea and would not feature any famous foreign stars. However, he suggested that a potential third season could be the entry point for a major international actor. The director mentioned that if the story were to expand its scope beyond the Korean peninsula, particularly to explore the global network of the deadly games and the wealthy "VIP" characters who fund them, he might consider asking DiCaprio to join the cast.

The VIPs, who were introduced in Season 1, are masked, ultra-rich foreign individuals who bet on the contestants' lives for entertainment. A major Hollywood actor like DiCaprio would be a natural, high-profile fit for one of these powerful, morally corrupt figures, adding a new layer of international intrigue to the show's critique of global capitalism and wealth disparity.

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Netflix's Official Denial and the Current Reality of Season 3

While the director's enthusiasm fueled the rumors, the actual casting process for the upcoming seasons adheres to a strict production plan. The most recent and significant development in this saga is the official denial from Netflix regarding any immediate involvement by the A-list actor.

Reports of a Secret Season 3 Cameo Debunked

In late 2024 and early 2025, reports began circulating that Leonardo DiCaprio was set to make a secret cameo appearance in Squid Game Season 3. These rumors suggested that filming had already been completed and that the actor would appear, possibly as a VIP. However, these claims were quickly and decisively shut down. Netflix issued a statement clarifying that reports of Leonardo DiCaprio's involvement in Squid Game Season 3 are "entirely unfounded."

This denial is crucial, as it confirms that as of the latest production updates, the critically acclaimed actor is not part of the confirmed cast list for the immediate future of the Korean series. This aligns with Hwang Dong-hyuk's earlier commitment to keep Season 2 focused on the existing storyline and its Korean roots, continuing the narrative of Seong Gi-hun's journey following the events of the first season.

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Squid Game Season 2 and 3 Status Update (2025)

Despite the DiCaprio denial, the overall franchise is moving forward at a rapid pace. Production for Squid Game Season 2 has been completed, and the series is one of the most anticipated releases for Netflix. Furthermore, the possibility of a third season has been a consistent topic of discussion, with some reports even suggesting that Squid Game 3 might be the finale of the record-breaking survival thriller. The timeline for Season 3 is still speculative, but a 2025 premiere was previously rumored, further intensifying the initial casting buzz. The inclusion of new characters, like a robot named Cheol-su in a teaser poster, suggests the show is continuously expanding its high-stakes universe.

Why the DiCaprio Rumor Will Never Die

The connection between Leonardo DiCaprio and Squid Game has become one of the most enduring rumors in modern television, and there are several compelling reasons why the speculation continues to thrive. These factors highlight the show’s global impact and the cultural significance of the potential crossover.

• Global Crossover Appeal: Squid Game is a global phenomenon, and Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the few actors with true worldwide recognition. The idea of combining the two represents the ultimate fusion of Korean drama (K-Drama) excellence and Hollywood star power.
• The VIP Storyline: The VIPs are the perfect narrative device to introduce a major foreign star. Their characters are inherently international and represent the extreme wealth that is a central theme of the show. Casting a star of DiCaprio's caliber would elevate the critique of the elite class.
• Hwang Dong-hyuk's Endorsement: The director's repeated, public expression of his desire to cast DiCaprio lends credibility to the rumor. Fans know the idea is not just a fantasy but a genuine ambition of the show's creator.
• DiCaprio's History of Working with Auteurs: DiCaprio is known for choosing projects with visionary directors (like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino). Hwang Dong-hyuk has established himself as a world-class auteur, making a collaboration a realistic career move for the actor.

In conclusion, while Leonardo DiCaprio will not be a part of Squid Game Season 2, and Netflix has denied his involvement in the rumored Season 3, the door remains open for the future. Whether it is as the lead in a US remake or a powerful, unmasked VIP in a later season of the original Korean series, the dream of seeing the Gangs of New York and Wolf of Wall Street star enter the Squid Game arena is far from over. Fans should keep an eye on official announcements for both the Korean series and any potential international spinoffs for the next chapter of this Hollywood-K-Drama crossover fantasy.