The hit Japanese thriller Alice in Borderland captivated audiences worldwide with its high-stakes games and mind-bending plot twists. Season 2 appeared to bring the series to a definitive close, leaving many wondering if a third season was even possible. However, Netflix has officially confirmed that Alice in Borderland Season 3 is on the way, and here’s why it’s happening despite the seemingly conclusive ending.
The Ending of Season 2 Explained
To understand why a third season is possible, it’s crucial to revisit the ending of Alice in Borderland Season 2. The season culminates with Arisu and his fellow survivors completing a series of deadly games in the “Borderland.” They eventually confront the game masters, and it is revealed that the Borderland is a liminal space between life and death. The players were all in a hospital, experiencing a near-death state after a meteor strike in Tokyo.
After defeating the final game master, Mira, the Queen of Hearts, the survivors are given a choice: remain in the Borderland or return to the real world. Most of the main characters, including Arisu and Usagi, choose to return. This decision seems to conclude their harrowing journey, with them waking up in the real world, though without memories of their time in the Borderland. This ending closely mirrored the conclusion of the original Alice in Borderland manga.
The Ambiguous Joker Card
However, the series finale deviates from the manga’s ending with the appearance of a Joker card that is shown in the final moments. In the manga, the Joker is more of a symbolic figure, a “ferryman” between life and death. The show introduces a more ambiguous meaning, suggesting there is still one game left to play. This is a significant departure from the source material and has left many fans speculating about the possibilities for a third season.
The Manga vs. The Show
The Alice in Borderland live-action series has largely followed the plot of the manga, but the ending of Season 2, with the introduction of the Joker card, sets the stage for a potential deviation. The manga concludes with Arisu and Usagi returning to the real world and eventually building a new relationship without any memories of their shared experiences in the Borderland. However, the show’s ambiguous ending leaves the door open for a continuation of their story.
Alice in Borderland Retry
There is also a manga sequel, titled Alice in Borderland: Retry. It is set a few years after the original story and depicts Arisu and Usagi married and expecting a baby. While they have no memory of their time in the Borderland, they have built a new life together. Arisu becomes a psychologist, while Usagi continues her father’s legacy as an alpinist. Season 3 of the show could potentially draw from this sequel, exploring the characters’ lives after their return while potentially intertwining elements of the remaining Joker game.
Why Season 3 is Happening
Despite the apparent finality of Season 2, several factors contribute to the decision to produce Alice in Borderland Season 3:
Popularity and Critical Acclaim
Alice in Borderland has been a massive hit for Netflix, gaining a large international following. The series has been praised for its unique premise, thrilling action, and well-developed characters. Its popularity makes it a lucrative property for Netflix, which is likely a driving force behind its renewal.
The Joker Card’s Significance
The introduction of the Joker card in the show’s ending is a clear signal that the story isn’t over. This leaves a big question mark for the viewers and suggests that the series might explore new territory, moving beyond the original manga’s ending. The ambiguity surrounding the Joker provides a natural jumping-off point for a new narrative, allowing the show’s creators to explore new themes and challenges.
Unexplored Territory
While Season 2 covered the main events of the Alice in Borderland manga, the live-action adaptation has already taken liberties with the source material. The introduction of the Joker card is one example of how the show is willing to diverge from the manga to create its unique narrative. Season 3 could potentially focus on the aftermath of the Borderland experience, the characters’ struggles to readjust to their lives, and the implications of the Joker’s return.
Fan Demand
The show’s massive fanbase has been vocal about wanting more Alice in Borderland. The ambiguous ending of Season 2 and the desire to see the characters again have undoubtedly contributed to Netflix’s decision to renew the show. The anticipation surrounding Season 3 is a testament to the series’ lasting impact on its audience.
What to Expect in Season 3
Given the ambiguous nature of the season two finale, here are a few possibilities for what Season 3 might explore:
The Joker’s Game
Season 3 could delve into the mystery behind the Joker card, revealing the meaning of the game. This could involve the return of characters from the Borderland, including a new set of games that are more dangerous than before. This would potentially explain why the characters retain some level of recognition for one another, despite the memory loss.
Real-World Consequences
Season 3 could explore the characters’ lives in the real world, focusing on their struggles to cope with their near-death experience. It could delve into their memories of the Borderland, their relationships, and their personal growth. This would allow the show to explore deeper psychological themes and potentially offer a more profound commentary on the human condition.
A Hybrid Approach
It’s also possible that Season 3 will combine elements of both the original manga and the Alice in Borderland Retry sequel. This would allow the show to address the lingering questions from Season 2 while also giving the audience a look at Arisu and Usagi’s lives after their return to the real world, showing how they reconnected. The show could also potentially introduce elements not present in either the main manga series or its sequel.
Release Window
Netflix has confirmed that Alice in Borderland Season 3 is set to release in 2025, though a specific date has yet to be announced. This has heightened anticipation amongst fans, who are eagerly awaiting the continuation of the series. The show’s production house, Robot Communication, had previously announced a casting call for extras for a large-scale project in late 2023, further fueling speculation about the production of a new season.
Conclusion
Alice in Borderland Season 3 is happening because of a combination of factors, including the show’s popularity, critical acclaim, and the ambiguous ending of Season 2. The Joker card provides a natural point for the story to continue, paving the way for new games and exploring the characters’ lives beyond the Borderland. While Season 2 appeared to conclude the story, the live-action series has proven its willingness to deviate from the manga and create a new narrative, leaving fans to wonder where the next season might take them. With the return of main cast members Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, along with the show’s original director and screenwriter, the third season is highly anticipated and expected to maintain the intensity and cinematic quality of its predecessors. The series continues to be a successful anime adaptation for Netflix, cementing its place as a leading Japanese language series with a global reach.
