A year after the release of ‘Squid Game’ Season 3, Netflix has reportedly shelved David Fincher‘s long-developing English-language spinoff.The reported cancellation brings an end to a project that had been in development for several years. The spinoff was first reported in 2024, with Fincher attached to direct and Dennis Kelly, creator and writer ‘Utopia’, hired to pen the scripts.According to sources cited by The Playlist, Netflix is no longer moving forward with the project, which had been operating under the working title ‘Heckler’.
About the ‘Squid Game’ spinoff
Reports about an American ‘Squid Game’ adaptation was first reported in 2024, when insiders revealed that an English-language series with Fincher was in the works. At the time, the filmmaker was expected to make the project a major priority.Kelly was subsequently brought on board to write the series as an American take on the Korean survival phenomenon. The project continued to generate speculation over the following year, despite Netflix never officially announcing the series, confirming its title or revealing a production schedule.In November 2025, the title ‘Squid Game: America’ appeared on the Film and Television Industry Alliance website, which listed a February 2026 filming date in Los Angeles. However, there was no official confirmation from Netflix that production was actually moving ahead.The latest reports now suggest that the planned shoot will not take place.
Netflix’s priorities reportedly shifted
According to The Playlist, the streaming giant’s priorities for the Squid Game franchise have changed after several years of development and changes within the company’s ranks. The project also reportedly lost momentum as Fincher turned his attention to other commitments.
Was Cate Blanchett involved?
Amid speculation surrounding the project, there had also been buzz about Cate Blanchett potentially appearing in the American Squid Game universe. However, there is no indication that Blanchett was ever attached to the spinoff, except for her cameo appearance as the recruiter.
David Fincher’s work slate
Fincher has meanwhile moved forward with ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’, the follow-up to Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. The film reunites Fincher with Brad Pitt, who reprises his character Cliff Booth.
