Via Netflix, get ready for another heart-pounding journey into the twisted world of survival as the streaming service has officially confirmed the much-awaited renewal of its global smash hit series, Alice in Borderland.
With Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya reprising their roles as Arisu and Usagi in Season 3, fans can look forward to witnessing the evolution of their characters in the ever-dangerous landscape of Borderland. Shinsuke Sato’s continued direction will also ensure that the series maintains its trademark intensity and cinematic excellence.
Based on the manga series of the same name by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland follows the story of Arisu after he is transported to a parallel universe in which he has to play and win games to remain alive. The games are divided into four categories represented by suits on a deck of playing cards.
When Season 1 started streaming in December 2020, it rose to the Top 10 in more than 70 countries, earning its place as a worldwide sensation. Critics and viewers alike were enthralled, with the show boasting an impressive audience score of 96% on review website Rotten Tomatoes.
Following this successful debut, anticipation for the second installment ran high. When Season 2 debuted in December 2022, it shot up to the Top 10 in over 90 countries, claiming the No. 1 spot in 17 of them. In Japan, it held the top spot for 14 consecutive days.
Even more remarkably, just four weeks after its release, Season 2 clocked 200 million viewing hours worldwide, the highest of any title from Japan.
For now, the Joker card has appeared, declaring the triumphant return of Alice in Borderland. Fans can expect nothing short of an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride as the series continues to explore profound themes of humanity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.
Based on the manga “Alice in Borderland” by Haro Aso (published by Shogakukan in Shonen Sunday Comics) Director: Shinsuke Sato Cast: Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya Executive Producer: Kazutaka Sakamoto (Netflix) Producer: Akira Morii, Tomoki Takase Production Cooperation: THE SEVEN Development/Production: ROBOT © Haro Aso, Shogakukan / ROBOT
Alice in Borderland Season 2 Synopsis
Arisu and his companions have gathered all the numbered playing cards by surviving and clearing many outrageous games in the Borderland. After Mira declares the start of a new challenge, Arisu heads to Shibuya with Usagi and the others to clear the face cards, but they are suddenly ambushed by a hail of bullets. Hypothesizing that this attacker will hold back while they are participating in another game, Arisu and his companions head to another game venue, where they are met by the overwhelmingly charismatic Kyuma. While facing him as an opponent in the game, Arisu is touched by Kyuma’s approach to life and begins to consider the meaning of living. Meanwhile, Usagi begins to waver in her decision to return to the real world, which drove the father she respected to his death.
Alice in Borderland Season 1 Synopsis
Constantly compared to his high-achieving younger brother, Arisu spends his gloomy days unable to find any meaning in life. When he goes out with his best friends Chota and Karube — the only sparks in his dreary life — the city suddenly becomes devoid of people. While feeling some sense of unease, the three young men are elated at this newfound freedom. However, this is the “Borderland,” a place where the inhabitants must clear various “games” to survive. Arisu, who uses his observational and decision-making skills to clear the games, meets Usagi, a climber who has cleared games on her own without having any companions. Through this unbelievable life-or-death experience, they face head-on the question of what “living” means.
“Alice in Borderland” Original Manga
Ryohei Arisu wants to escape his bleak everyday life. One day, while hanging out with his friends Karube and Chota, the town they knew suddenly becomes completely empty. As they search for answers, they are forced into irrational “games” where players may lose their lives if they take a wrong step. Can Arisu clear all of the games and make it back alive? The bestselling masterpiece of survival suspense was a hit even in its digital format. All 18 volumes of the original manga and both volumes of the new sequel “Alice in Borderland: Retry” are currently in publication from Shogakukan’s Shonen Sunday Comics.
