I Cut Them A Lot

July 4, 2025

7

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Squid Game season 3.

Squid Game season 3 saw the return of the series’ most controversial characters — but according to the Netflix show’s editor, she cut many of their scenes. The VIPs are easily Squid Game‘s most controversial addition, as they oversee and bet on the deadly tournament, treating its players as though they aren’t people at all.

The VIPs are introduced at the end of Squid Game season 1, but we don’t see them again until season 3, when they show up for the latter half of the competition. And the masked spectators are even more infuriating this time around, as they’re more involved. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Squid Game editor Nam Na-young admitted we almost got more of them, too:

“Actually, there were more scenes with the VIPs. As I was editing, I did cut them a lot because when we’re in the VIP room, the tension kind of releases. The contestants’ emotions and reactions of the games were what I prioritized when editing.”

With Squid Game season 3 only being six episodes long, it makes sense that certain scenes didn’t make it to the final cut. Nam Na-young’s comments shed light on which ones did and why, and they confirm a smart approach to the return of these heinous characters.

What Cutting VIP Scenes Meant For Squid Game Season 3

Viewers Get More Of The Characters They’ve Been Following For 3 Seasons

As Nam Na-young points out, reducing the number of VIP scenes in Squid Game season 3 helps keep the final episodes flowing. With so many character arcs and storylines to wrap up, it would feel strange to focus on the VIPs too heavily. While they, admittedly, have important roles in the tournament, viewers want to know the fates of the players and named characters far more.

Lee Byung-hun as The Front Man In Squid Game Season 3

Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun unpacked season 3’s Front Man flashback sequences, explaining why they made him feel “weird” while filming.

And as the action and suspense rise in the final episodes, the cuts to the VIPs do feel a bit tedious at times. It’s clear that the important scenes are still there; the VIPs are needed to drive some of the major decisions, like Squid Game‘s dark Player 222 twist. However, Nam Na-young’s edits clearly take a thoughtful approach, ensuring the series hits the right balance.

Our Take On Squid Game’s Cut VIP Scenes

It’s A Good Thing The Show’s Editor Sought Balance

Oh Il-nam wears an owl mask in a Squid Game season 3 flashback

I’m glad Squid Game‘s editor was conscious of having too many VIP scenes and how that could affect season 3. Unless there was going to be some huge reveal involving the characters, it wasn’t necessary for viewers to see more of them. Their identities are intentionally left anonymous, as their inclusion is about what they represent.

Squid Game season 3’s final cut ensures they serve the purpose they’re meant to, but it doesn’t bombard us with extra details.

And even with more input, the VIPs don’t contribute much to the story. It’s much more interesting to unpack the Front Man’s backstory or dig into the players’ choices than it is to dwell on the masked villains. Squid Game season 3’s final cut ensures they serve the purpose they’re meant to, but it doesn’t bombard us with extra details — and that’s a good thing.