Netflix reportedly shelves David Fincher's 'Squid Game' spin-off
Netflix has reportedly shelved its long-rumoured English-language "Squid Game" spin-off from filmmaker David Fincher, marking a major shift in the streamer's plans to expand its blockbuster Korean franchise.
According to The Playlist, the project, reportedly developed under the working title "Heckler”, is no longer moving forward at Netflix. "Utopia" creator Dennis Kelly had reportedly been attached as screenwriter, with Fincher involved in developing the series.
While Netflix had never formally announced the project, reports of Fincher developing an American-set version of "Squid Game" had circulated for years.
The project reportedly lost momentum due to a combination of factors, including leadership changes at Netflix, Fincher's commitments to other projects and a broader rethink of how the streaming platform wants to expand the "Squid Game" universe.
Rather than building the franchise around one large-scale American adaptation, Netflix is reportedly considering locally developed versions for different markets. France and Norway are among the countries mentioned as possibilities, although such projects are reportedly still at the proposal stage.
The development also casts Cate Blanchett's surprise appearance in the finale of "Squid Game" in a different light. Her cameo, which showed her character playing ddakji with a man in Los Angeles, had fuelled speculation that the scene was setting up an American continuation of the franchise.
The original Korean "Squid Game" became a global phenomenon following its 2021 debut, eventually growing into one of Netflix's most recognisable franchises. Its success also led to the reality competition "Squid Game: The Challenge" and years of speculation about further international expansions.
For now, however, Fincher's proposed American take appears unlikely to be among them.
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