Netflix shelves David Fincher’s ‘Squid Game’ spin off

Netflix reportedly shelves David Fincher’s long rumoured US spin off as franchise expansion plans shift

David Fincher’s long rumoured Squid Game spin off appears to have reached an unexpected dead end, with reports claiming Netflix has shelved the English language project after years of speculation surrounding its development.

According to recent reports, the project, which had been linked to Fincher for several years, is no longer moving forward at Netflix. The Daily Star reported on August 8 that the project was reportedly developed under the working title “Heckler”, while other reports have described it as an American or English language expansion of the South Korean phenomenon. Netflix has not formally announced the series, meaning details about its development have largely emerged through industry reports rather than an official production announcement.

Fincher became attached to the project through reports that first surfaced several years ago. The filmmaker was widely reported to be developing an English language Squid Game series, with British writer Dennis Kelly, known for creating Utopia, also linked to the project. Earlier reporting indicated that the series was expected to be a spin off set within the same universe rather than a straightforward remake of the original Korean drama.

The project generated considerable interest because of Fincher’s reputation for dark psychological material and his previous relationship with Netflix. His association with the streamer includes projects such as House of Cards, Mindhunter and The Killer, making a Fincher led Squid Game production one of the more closely watched possibilities connected to the franchise.

Speculation surrounding an American expansion intensified following the ending of Squid Game Season 3. Cate Blanchett made a brief appearance in the finale as a recruiter involved in a game of ddakji in Los Angeles. The sequence immediately prompted theories that Netflix was preparing to move the franchise into an American setting. However, reports at the time stressed that the appearance did not constitute official confirmation of Fincher’s proposed project.

The reported shelving of the project also comes as Netflix is said to be reconsidering how it expands the Squid Game franchise internationally. Recent reporting suggests the streamer may be more interested in developing locally produced versions in different countries instead of concentrating its expansion strategy around one major English language adaptation. France and Norway have been mentioned in reports as possible markets for future projects, although those ideas have also been described as being at an early stage.

The reported decision marks a notable change from the excitement that surrounded the project in previous years. In 2024, reports indicated that Fincher was expected to spend time developing the English language series, while Kelly was linked as its writer. At that point, Netflix had still declined to officially confirm the project, leaving its status uncertain.

For fans hoping to see Fincher put his distinctive style on the Squid Game universe, the latest development is therefore significant. At the same time, the project should not be described as an officially cancelled Netflix series because the company never publicly announced it in the first place.

The original Korean Squid Game remains one of Netflix’s biggest global franchises. Created by Hwang Dong hyuk, the survival drama became a worldwide phenomenon after its 2021 debut and subsequently expanded through additional seasons and the reality competition series Squid Game: The Challenge.