The wait is nearly over, and fans of Alice in Borderland can barely contain their excitement for the third season of Netflix’s dystopian thriller.
After the intense twists and jaw-dropping cliffhanger of Season 2, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Borderland.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just hopping on the hype train, here’s everything we know (and hope) about Season 3.
A Quick Recap: The Borderland So Far
If you need a refresher, here’s the gist. Alice in Borderland, based on Haro Aso’s manga, follows Ryohei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) and Yuzuha Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya) as they navigate a parallel Tokyo where survival hinges on winning deadly games.
Each game’s difficulty is represented by a playing card, and the stakes are always life-or-death.
Season 2 ended with Arisu and Usagi defeating the Queen of Hearts in a harrowing psychological showdown.
While most players opted to return to the real world, the final shot teased a Joker card, hinting that the games might not be over after all.
Fans have been speculating ever since—was this a clue, or just a cruel trick? “The Joker card was shown at the end for a reason,” one Redditor noted.
What We Know About Season 3
Release Date Speculations
Although Netflix has yet to confirm an exact release date, production wrapped in mid-2024, and sources suggest a 2025 premiere.
If the timeline mirrors the gaps between Seasons 1 and 2, fans can expect a release early in the year.
Returning Cast and Characters
The good news? Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya will reprise their roles as Arisu and Usagi.
Other fan favourites, such as Shuntaro Chishiya (Nijirō Murakami) and Hikari Kuina (Aya Asahina), are also expected to return.
Even the show’s most enigmatic characters, like Mira Kano (Riisa Naka), could make appearances—despite her apparent death in Season 2.
“You saw the ghost of Hatter introduced in the show so many times, so I have this feeling that [Mira] might come back,” Naka teased.
Creator Involvement
One reassuring detail for fans is Haro Aso’s continued involvement in the series.
His direct influence should help maintain the authenticity and depth that have made the show such a hit.
Production Details
Production began in late 2023, with filming primarily taking place in Tokyo’s Shibuya district and studio sets replicating iconic landmarks.
Robot Communication, the production company, has teased that filming included elaborate sequences featuring new game setups.
What to Expect in Season 3
Plot Theories and New Challenges
While the Joker card’s meaning remains ambiguous, many speculate it signals a new phase of games.
Some theories suggest the Borderland’s origins and the motivations of the game masters will finally be revealed.
Could we meet new characters inspired by Tweedledee and Tweedledum, completing the Alice in Wonderland parallels?
Manga Influence on Season 3
The series has largely adapted the original manga’s storyline, but with Season 2 covering the final chapters, Season 3 will likely explore new ground.
Fans have speculated that elements from Alice in Borderland Retry, Haro Aso’s spin-off manga, could inspire the upcoming season.
The spin-off features Arisu navigating a new reality, suggesting a potential direction for the show’s continuation.
Another possibility lies in unadapted content from the main manga, such as deeper exploration of side characters and omitted game arcs.
For example, the manga’s “Jack of Hearts” game, a psychological thriller set in a confined space, was notably absent from the show but remains a fan-favourite storyline that could make an appearance.
The official Netflix description teases an “adrenaline-fuelled rollercoaster ride,” exploring themes like sacrifice and humanity—all while putting Arisu and Usagi through their most harrowing challenges yet.
Evolving Game Dynamics
Season 3 is likely to introduce more intricate and psychological games.
For instance, Banda and Yaba, two characters who chose to remain in the Borderland, may play pivotal roles as antagonists or allies.
“Season 2 had weaker games compared to Season 1,” one fan commented on Reddit. “Here’s hoping the new season leans back into the tension and creativity we loved”.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
The announcement of Season 3 has sparked waves of excitement across social media.
“The games are going to be even crazier in Season 3. I can feel it!” tweeted one enthusiastic fan.
Others have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the show avoids the pitfalls of running out of source material.
“Season 3 will have to tread carefully, with no manga chapters left to adapt,” noted another.
Reddit forums are buzzing with theories about the Joker card’s significance, with some fans suggesting it represents chaos or a wildcard that will reset the stakes.
“The Joker card might signify a complete overhaul of the game’s rules,” speculated another.
Why Alice in Borderland Stands Out
Often compared to Squid Game, Alice in Borderland sets itself apart by blending heart-pounding action with philosophical questions about survival and humanity.
While both shows feature life-or-death stakes, Alice in Borderland dives deeper into its characters’ emotional arcs, making it more than just a survival thriller.
Closing Thoughts
As fans count down to Season 3, it’s clear that the series has cemented itself as a standout in Netflix’s global catalogue.
With its unique blend of suspense, character development, and mind-bending twists, Alice in Borderland continues to captivate audiences.
Whether the Joker card reveals a final twist or opens the door to new horrors, one thing’s certain: the Borderland isn’t done with us yet.
