Following a major hint in the finale of the original series, the American spin-off of the global Netflix phenomenon, ‘Squid Game: America‘, is officially moving forward. A key industry listing has confirmed a start date for production, with acclaimed director David Fincher attached to helm the project.
The new series will exist within the same universe as the Korean show but will explore how the deadly competition operates on American soil.
The Production Timeline
According to a listing on the Film and Television Industry Alliance website, filming for Squid Game: America is scheduled to begin on February 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. This provides the first concrete update on the project’s progress after months of rumors. One industry report suggests that filming could potentially start even later, in late 2026, but the February date is currently the most specific information available.
The series is expected to shoot in and around Los Angeles and California, indicating the setting will play a central role in the story. If production begins as planned in early 2026, a potential release window is speculated for 2028.
The Creative Team Behind the Spin-off
David Fincher, the director behind films like Gone Girl and Fight Club, is set to direct and produce the American spin-off. Fincher has a long-standing exclusive deal with Netflix, having previously created House of Cards and Mindhunter for the streamer.
The writing duties will be handled by Dennis Kelly, the creator of the dystopian series Utopia. The project will also involve producers Kim Ji-yeon from the original Squid Game, along with Zeus Zamani and Rhett Giles.
Original creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has clarified that he has not been officially involved in the Fincher-led project, stating that reports of his participation were “completely groundless.” However, he expressed his admiration for the director, saying:
“I’ve always been a huge fan of David Fincher’s work… So if he were to create an American Squid Game, I think that would be very interesting to watch. I would definitely click on it immediately.”
How the Original Series Set the Stage
The Season 3 finale of the Korean Squid Game directly paved the way for the American version. The final scene shifted the action away from Korea and placed viewers in Los Angeles. There, the character of the Front Man spots a new recruiter in a shadowy alleyway.
That recruiter was played by Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, who made a special appearance. Her character was seen playing the classic Squid Game paper-tile game, ddakji, with a stranger, mirroring Gong Yoo’s recruiter from the very first season. The scene ended with Blanchett’s character and the Front Man sharing a significant look, strongly hinting at a narrative handoff.
Blanchett is currently the only actor reported to be involved in the spin-off, though her role has not been officially confirmed. Hwang Dong-hyuk explained his reasoning for casting her in the original series’ finale, noting:
“I knew I wanted to have a woman recruiter… I wanted someone who had the charisma that could dominate the screen in an instant. I’ve always been a big fan of Cate Blanchett.”
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What to Expect from the New Series
Squid Game: America is not a remake of the original story but a spinoff set in the same world. The official project description states it will show “how the games are handled in America.” This suggests the series will maintain the core premise of a brutal survival competition but will introduce a new cast of characters and likely explore themes specific to American society.
Lee Jung-jae, the star of the original series, has shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m looking forward to it so much, I can’t wait to see it and I have high expectations.”
The series will explore a fresh set of characters and games, offering a new perspective on the franchise’s dark commentary on desperation and capitalism.
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