Netflix is no longer moving forward with a US spinoff of its global smash hit "Squid Game," according to reports.
Although Netflix has not officially confirmed the news, "Heckler," the project’s reported working title, is no longer in development. The series was reportedly being developed by acclaimed US filmmaker David Fincher, whose credits include "Se7en," "Zodiac" and "The Social Network."
According to an exclusive report from The Playlist, Netflix has scrapped the project, with the outlet citing a shift in the streamer’s priorities for the franchise and Fincher’s decision to move on to other projects.
Speculation surrounding an American expansion of the franchise intensified following the US-set final scene of "Squid Game" Season 3, which premiered in June 2025, and a cameo by Cate Blanchett.
However, "Squid Game" creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk had dismissed speculation about an American remake or sequel during an interview with Korean media in July 2025. Still, Hwang had shown his desire to expand the franchise.
“I’ve already conveyed all the messages I wanted to share in this season, so continuing the main story wouldn’t be meaningful,” Hwang said.
“If anything, it would make more sense to carry on with a spinoff or side story. For example, something like the private lives of the masked figures.
"Remember the photo found at Captain Park’s house with the Front Man? It was just a fun little Easter egg we included, but wouldn’t it be interesting to explore what kind of relationship they had and what happened between them?”
As of Sunday, all three seasons of "Squid Game" rank among Netflix’s most-watched series of all time, with the first, second and third seasons occupying the top three spots on the streamer’s all-time list of most-watched non-English TV shows, according to Netflix’s companion site Tudum.
Season 1 has amassed 265 million views, followed by Season 2 with 192 million and Season 3 with 145 million. - The Korea Herald/ANN
