Netflix has reportedly stopped production on David Fincher’s English-language version of the hit Korean series Squid Game. The project, which carried the working title “Heckler,” has been in development for several years but will not move forward at the streaming platform.
The decision comes as Netflix changes its approach to expanding the Squid Game franchise. Instead of creating one large American adaptation, the company is now looking at developing separate versions for different countries around the world.
The report about the shelving first came from The Playlist, with sources close to the filmmaker confirming the news. Multiple entertainment outlets have since reported on the same development, though neither Netflix nor Fincher has made an official statement about the project’s status.
Why Netflix Dropped the American Squid Game Project
Several factors led to Netflix deciding not to move forward with Fincher’s Squid Game spin-off. The project slowly lost momentum over time for a few key reasons.
Changes in Netflix leadership played a major role in the decision. As executives shifted at the streaming company, priorities for the Squid Game franchise also changed. The project that once seemed like a natural next step for the franchise no longer fit with the company’s new direction.
Fincher’s busy schedule also contributed to the project’s cancellation. The filmmaker has been working on other major projects, including “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” a follow-up to Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” starring Brad Pitt. That film is expected to release in December 2026. With Fincher focused on completing that movie, the Squid Game spin-off lost the attention it needed to move forward.
Netflix’s evolving vision for the Squid Game universe also played a part. The streaming platform reportedly decided against investing heavily in one large English-language series and instead wants to explore smaller, market-specific versions of the franchise.
The Project That Never Got Made
David Fincher’s Squid Game spin-off was never officially announced by Netflix, though rumors about the project circulated for more than two years. The series carried the internal working title “Heckler” within Netflix.
British writer Dennis Kelly, who created the acclaimed series “Utopia,” had been hired to write the spin-off. Kelly and Fincher had previous history, as Fincher was once attached to direct an HBO adaptation of “Utopia” that ultimately fell apart over budget issues.
Reports earlier suggested that filming for the American Squid Game series would begin in Los Angeles in late 2025. However, production never started. Plans later shifted, with production expected to take place in the United Kingdom instead of the United States.
The project was initially envisioned as an American-set story rather than a direct remake of Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Korean original. However, Netflix never revealed any casting details or confirmed the series publicly.
Cate Blanchett Cameo Was Not Connected to Fincher’s Project
Many viewers assumed that Cate Blanchett‘s surprise appearance in the Squid Game season 3 finale was setting up Fincher’s American spin-off. In the finale, Blanchett appeared as an American recruiter in Los Angeles, leading fans to believe the sequence was teasing the US version of the show.
However, the report from The Playlist confirms that Blanchett was never attached to Fincher’s project. The cameo was not related to “Heckler” at all.
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk had already dismissed any direct connection between Blanchett’s appearance and a Fincher-led series. Speaking to Tudum, he explained his casting choice:
“I thought having a woman as a recruiter would be more dramatic and intriguing. And as for why Cate Blanchett, she’s just the best, with unmatched charisma. Who doesn’t love her?”
Blanchett herself had previously said she was “wildly open” to returning to the franchise in any form. But if she does return, it will not be for Fincher’s version.
Netflix Shifts Strategy to Regional Squid Game Adaptations
Instead of pursuing one American Squid Game series, Netflix is reportedly planning to create separate versions of the franchise for different countries. This marks a significant shift in how the streaming giant intends to expand one of its biggest global franchises.
Countries reportedly being considered for regional adaptations include France and Norway. However, the report notes that these remain only proposals at this stage, with no particular regional version confirmed to be moving forward.
Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk had previously expressed openness to other countries creating their own versions of the series. When asked about a potential American spin-off, he said:
“It would be great if each of the other countries could take it up for themselves. I don’t think it will be easy for me to travel to these countries and create their versions of Squid Game. Their local creators would best do the most fitting version of Squid Game for each country.”
Fincher Moves Forward with Other Projects
David Fincher remains busy with other work despite the Squid Game project being shelved. He recently completed work on “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” a sequel to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” written by Quentin Tarantino and starring Brad Pitt. The film is expected to arrive in theaters and on Netflix by the end of the year.
Fincher also has other potential projects in development. One is a “Chinatown” prequel series written by Robert Towne, though reports indicate Netflix has already passed on that project. Another possibility is “Bitterroot,” a crime western Fincher has been developing.
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Squid Game Franchise Continues to Expand in Other Ways
Although the American spin-off may no longer be happening, Netflix continues to invest in the Squid Game brand through other formats. The streamer has already expanded the franchise with the reality competition series “Squid Game: The Challenge,” where 456 contestants compete for a prize of $4.56 million.
The franchise has also entered gaming through “Squid Game: Unleashed” on Netflix Games, featuring survival challenges inspired by the series. Licensed casino titles and a crossover with “Call of Duty” have also been part of the franchise’s expansion.
The original Squid Game series remains one of Netflix’s most popular franchises. Season 1 premiered in 2021 and became a global phenomenon. Season 2 followed in 2024, breaking major streaming records. Season 3, which concluded the main storyline in 2025, faced some criticism from viewers but still drew significant attention.
The reported shelving of Fincher’s project comes at a complicated time for the Squid Game brand. While the original series helped fuel the global rise of Korean dramas, later expansions have not received the same level of acclaim. The reality competition series also saw viewership drop by 80 percent in its second season.
Despite these challenges, Netflix appears committed to keeping the franchise alive through different formats and regional adaptations rather than a single American version.
Also Read: Comprehensive Squid Game Parents Guide: Reasons the Netflix Thriller Isn’t for Kids
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