Everything We Know About Alice in Borderland Season 3

Alice in Borderland has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with its intense and gripping story of survival in a dystopian Tokyo. Since its debut on Netflix in 2020, the series has grown significantly in popularity, leading to eager anticipation for Season 3. Here’s a comprehensive update about what fans can expect from the next instalment of this Japanese sci-fi thriller.

Background and Popularity of Alice in Borderland

Alice in Borderland first aired on Netflix in 2020, adapted from the manga of the same name by Haro ASO. The story centres around a group of young people forced to participate in deadly games in a deserted, alternate Tokyo called the Borderland. The show quickly gained attention for its dark, suspenseful storytelling combined with unique concepts like playing cards acting as visas.

Season 1 was a hit, achieving impressive milestones:

• Entered the top 10 most-watched shows in over 70 countries within its first month.
• Earned a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
• Benefited from strong word of mouth, boosting its global profile.

Its follow-up in 2022, Season 2, only built on this success:

• Reached the top 10 in more than 90 countries worldwide.
• Claimed the number one spot in 17 countries, including Japan where it stayed on top for two weeks straight.
• Logged 200 million viewing hours globally, the highest of any Netflix Japan original at the time.

Netflix’s growing confidence in the series was confirmed on 27 September 2023 when it announced the official renewal for Season 3. Much like other non-English hits such as Squid Game and Dark, Alice in Borderland shows the rising appeal of Japanese programming internationally.

While Alice in Borderland shares some thematic similarities with Squid Game—mostly around survival games in a dystopian setting—it stands apart with its inventive twists, such as the deadly consequences tied to the expiry of visa-like playing cards and the deadly lasers that target players.

Production Updates and Delays for Season 3

Season 3 is tentatively expected to be released sometime in 2025, mirroring the two-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2. The only public insights into filming so far came from producer Akira Mori, who provided occasional updates on the now-deactivated social platform X (formerly Twitter). Details about the current production status and filming completion remain scarce.

These delays contrast with Season 2, which was pushed back due to COVID-19. The extended wait has built up fan anticipation but also raises concerns about the series living up to expectations when it finally lands. If the new season fails to deliver, some might see it as an attempt to capitalise on the franchise’s past popularity.

Recap of Season 2 and Its Ending

Season 2 gave fans a mostly satisfying conclusion by adapting the final chapters of the manga, wrapping up many character arcs and storylines — yet it left one big mystery untouched.

The main heroes — Arisu, Usagi, and other survivors — eventually woke up in the real world, often changed for the better. Here are some highlights:

• Arisu: Transformed from a social outcast into someone who fiercely values life. His intense showdown with Mira, the Queen of Hearts, offered a thrilling climax.
• Usagi: Despite her tragic past, she finds new hope and strength, no longer willing to be trapped in Borderland forever.
• Chasa: Gained confidence after defeating Mira, a notable turning point for his character.

The Borderland’s true nature was finally explained, satisfying fans who had followed the manga. But the finale introduced a shocking twist not featured in the manga: the appearance of a mysterious Joker card. This suggests the deadly games and story are far from over.

With the defeat of the Queen of Hearts villain, Season 3 faces the question of who will take up the mantle as the next antagonist. The Joker card’s introduction opens the door to new game masters, challenges, and darker secrets.

Potential Story Directions for Season 3

Season 3 is now clearly moving beyond the original manga’s storyline, thanks mainly to the Joker card surprise. Here are some possibilities for where the story might head:

• Introduction of new tournaments or game masters centred around the Joker card, injecting fresh threats and rules.
• Revisiting past events or unresolved issues from Arisu’s and Usagi’s earlier experiences in Borderland.
• Bringing back key cast members such as Kento Yamazaki (Arisu) and Tao Tsuchiya (Usagi) who are confirmed to reprise their roles.
• Possible return appearances from other favourites like Nijiro Murakami (Chishiya) and Ayaka Miyoshi (Ann), either via flashbacks or unexpected twists.
• Some characters like Tata (the mechanic), who received a proper farewell, are unlikely to return.

Showrunner and director Shinsuki Sato will be instrumental in crafting original storylines for the new episodes, which might finally take the series into uncharted territory.

Key Players Behind the Scenes

Shinsuki Sato, the director and co-writer of Alice in Borderland, returns for Season 3. Sato has a solid track record with high-profile live-action adaptations, having worked on titles such as Bleach, Kingdom, Death Note, and Princess Blade. His ongoing involvement is a promising sign that Season 3 will retain the mood and tone fans love, even while exploring new story directions.

Robot Communications remains the production company behind the series, with producer Akira Morii previously providing updates before his social media silence. Their continued work ensures consistency in quality and style going forward.

The Cultural Impact and Future Expectations

The Netflix adaptation has dramatically boosted the global profile of the Alice in Borderland franchise. While the original manga had a dedicated fanbase and even spawned a three-episode anime series between 2014 and 2015, it’s the Netflix series that has truly made it a household name around the world.

The fanbase has grown especially after Season 2, thanks to its unexpected twists and cliffhangers, like the Joker card. Expectations for Season 3 are high, with many hoping it will maintain the intense excitement and emotional depth of previous seasons.

That said, the extended delays and shift away from the manga storyline add some risk. Fans expect a smart, thrilling continuation and might be disappointed if the new season feels like a mere cash grab.

Whether Season 3 can live up to the hype and deliver another compelling story will be a topic of discussion for a long time to come. The mystery around the Joker card and new challenges at least promise that the journey is far from over.

For those interested in keeping up with the latest news on Season 3, Digital Spy’s detailed update on the release date and new season offers useful information. For fans wanting to explore the cast further, Prime Timer has a comprehensive guide to which characters are returning.

With lead actors like Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya returning alongside a renewed creative direction under Shinsuki Sato, Alice in Borderland Season 3 has potential to be a worthy continuation of the series’ thrilling saga. Its blend of horror, suspense, and complex characters keeps viewers hooked and watching closely for the next chapter in this deadly game.

Stay tuned for more updates as Netflix reveals further details about the release and storyline.