'I’m Done with the Series': Squid Game Creator Rejects Spin-Off Idea with Blanchett in the US — But Netflix Doesn’t Care Much
The opinion of the franchise’s creator is, of course, of little interest to the media giant.
You’d think nothing could go wrong when David Fincher takes on the American version of Squid Game. But, the original creator, gently hints: "Guys, I didn’t put Cate Blanchett in the finale for this."
So, what’s really going on?
After the third season finale on Netflix — where Blanchett, as the new “Recruiter,” dramatically slapped a losing contestant — the internet exploded with theories suggesting this was a hint at a spin-off. Especially since in 2024 rumors started swirling about a Squid Game: USA under Fincher’s direction.
But in a recent Variety interview, Dong-hyuk clarified: Blanchett’s cameo was simply a symbolic ending, not an open door for more stories.
_38846.webp)
"I didn't end it on that note in order to deliberately leave room for further stories to happen. Gi-hun and Front Man, through these characters, the games in Korea have ended.
And because this story started out with me wanting to tackle issues about the limitless competition and the system that's created in late capitalism, I wanted to leave it on a note highlighting the fact that these systems, even if one comes down, it's not easy to dismantle the whole system — it will always repeat itself. That's why I wanted to end it with an American recruiter. And I wrote that scene wanting an impactful ending for the show, not in order to open rooms for anything else."
What about Fincher’s version?
Here’s the funny part: Netflix didn’t even inform Dong-hyuk about the spin-off! The director read the “tabloid rumors” about the American version of his creation and was just surprised.
So what’s the bottom line?
Dong-hyuk opposes the idea that his show should become an endless franchise with spin-offs.
Fincher will likely create his own separate story.
If the "American Squid Game" succeeds, it’ll be thanks to Fincher — not in spite of him.
The big question now is — why does Netflix want a spin-off if the original is already a global hit? The answer seems clear: because the “horses” have to keep running, whether their creator wants it or not.
