Adapted from Haro Aso’s eponymous manga, ‘Alice in Borderland’ is a Netflix original series that blends sci-fi, thriller, and drama elements. The series follows Arisu, a gamer who finds himself transported to a parallel realm where he and other participants must compete in deadly games to survive.
Season 1 premiered in December 2020 and was met with critical acclaim, with a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 2 followed in December 2022, and was also a commercial success, ranking in the top 10 in more than 90 countries.
Season 3 Renewal
Netflix has officially renewed ‘Alice in Borderlands’ for a third season, on September 28, 2023. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser video featuring the Joker card, a symbolic element from the manga’s final game. The video’s tagline, “The game is not over yet,” hints at more challenges and twists to come.
Season 3 Release Date
Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for Alice in Borderland Season 3. However, based on the release dates of previous seasons, we can speculate that it could premiere in December 2024 or early 2025. This is, of course, subject to variables such as the pandemic, filming locations, and other logistical considerations.
Season 3 Ensemble
The cast for season 3 is yet to be confirmed, but we can expect the original cast to return unless their characters die or are left out of the narrative. This includes:
- Kento Yamazaki as Arisu
- Tao Tsuchiya as Usagi
- Nijiro Murakami as Chishiya
- Yuki Morinaga as Chota
- Keita Machida as Karube
- Ayaka Miyoshi as An
- Dori Sakurada as Niragi
- Aya Asahina as Kuina
- Shuntaro Yanagi as Last Boss
- Riisa Naka as Mira
New characters may also be introduced in Season 3 to align with the storyline.
Season 3 Narrative
The plot of Season 3 remains under wraps, but we can make some educated guesses based on the manga and the Season 2 finale. In Season 2, Arisu defeats Mira, the Queen of Hearts, and players are given the choice of returning to reality or staying in the Borderlands. All but Banda and Yaba choose to return, and Arisu awakens in a hospital. He learns that a meteor impact has wreaked havoc on Tokyo, sending survivors to the Borderlands. The season ends with a cliffhanger as Arisu receives a message from the Joker, inviting him to the final game.
Season 3 is expected to adapt the manga’s final arc, which features a confrontation between the players and the four kings, leaders of the Borderland’s four factions: Beach, Mountain, Forest, and City. These kings, former allies of the King of Hearts, have different ideologies. The King of Spades opposes the King of Hearts and helps the players escape, while the King of Clubs remains neutral and the King of Diamonds takes advantage of the situation for his own gain. The Joker adds an element of unpredictability, challenging the players and kings alike.
The season is also likely to explore Arisu and Usagi’s relationship after their confession in Season 2. As they face new challenges and adversaries, they will have to grapple with their inner doubts and fears. Revelations about the Borderland’s origins, the meteor’s role in the disaster, and the need for difficult choices and sacrifices will raise the stakes even higher.
Conclusion
‘Alice in Borderland’ Season 3 is poised to be a thrilling and emotionally charged conclusion to the series’ narrative. With fan-favorite characters returning, new challenges emerging, and the stakes higher than ever, viewers can expect a wild ride.
