'Squid Game US' Is Canceled: Why It Happened & What Was It Supposed to Be About?

For several years, rumors circulated that Netflix was developing an English-language Squid Game spinoff with David Fincher, and fans eagerly awaited updates.

However, according to The Playlist, the project, working titled Heckler, has been definitively canceled. Fincher, known for Se7en, Fight Club, and Gone Girl, had been attached to the series alongside screenwriter Dennis Kelly, creator of the British show Utopia.

It has now emerged that the streaming service's priorities have shifted. Here's an overview of why the project was canceled, what it was intended to be, and Netflix's plans for the future.

'Squid Game US' Is Reportedly Canceled: Why Did It Happen?

Rumors about the spinoff have been circulating since 2024, following reports that Fincher was developing an American version. However, Netflix never officially confirmed the project's existence, title, or production timeline.

According to sources cited by The Playlist, the streaming service's priorities shifted during the development process. Rather than creating a single major English-language spinoff, the company is now considering producing separate versions of Squid Game for different countries.

Fincher himself also moved on to other projects, including The Adventures of Cliff Booth – a follow-up to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

As a result, development on Heckler lost momentum. The company did not respond to The Playlist's request for comment.

What 'Squid Game US' Was Supposed to Be About?

The project was conceived as an English-language remake of the South Korean hit, but set in the United States. Despite this, filming was planned to take place in the UK.

After the third season of Squid Game, many speculated that Cate Blanchett's appearance as a recruiter in the finale hinted at the Fincher series.

However, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the original creator, denied this. Sources for The Playlist now claim that the actress was never linked to Heckler and that there were no plans to include her character in the project.

What's Netflix Planning to Do Now?

Netflix has apparently abandoned the idea of a single major spinoff. Instead, the company is reportedly considering creating localized versions of Squid Game for different countries.

No specific projects have been announced yet, so this remains merely a potential strategy. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of the original show, confirmed that he is discussing ideas with Netflix for a movie that could expand the Squid Game universe.

According to Hwang, the movie will offer a new perspective on the games, though it is currently just an idea. Thus, while the franchise's future remains open, fans will have to say goodbye to the Fincher project.