Netflix Greenlights “Squid Game: America” with David Fincher at the Helm, Production Begins in December

Los Angeles, CA Netflix is officially expanding its global phenomenon Squid Game with a high-profile spin-off, Squid Game: America, under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher (Mindhunter, Fight Club). The project, set in Los Angeles, will explore the franchise’s signature themes of inequality and human desperation within a distinctly American context, avoiding a direct remake of the original South Korean series. Production is slated to begin this December.

Strategic Expansion of a Global Franchise

The move capitalizes on the record-breaking success of the original Squid Game, which remains Netflix’s most-watched series of all time. Sources confirm the spin-off has been in development since at least October 2024, with Fincher attached to direct and Dennis Kelly (Utopia) writing the scripts. The project marks Netflix’s first scripted expansion of the Squid Game universe, complementing its existing unscripted competition show, Squid Game: The Challenge.

The finale of Squid Game’s third season (released June 27, 2025) strategically laid narrative groundwork for the American iteration. In a climactic scene, Lee Byung-hun’s “Front Man” character witnesses Oscar winner Cate Blanchett recruiting a player in a Los Angeles alleyway, echoing Gong Yoo’s iconic “ddakji” recruiter from Season 1. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Netflix’s Tudum, “If Gong Yoo is the Korean Recruiter, [Blanchett] would be the perfect fit as the American Recruiter”. Though Netflix has not confirmed Blanchett’s ongoing involvement, industry insiders note her prior collaboration with Fincher on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button strengthens her likelihood of returning.

Fincher’s Vision: Dark Themes Meet American Realities

Fincher’s involvement signals a tonal evolution for the franchise. Known for psychological thrillers like Seven and The Game, which similarly explore manipulative competitions, the director is expected to leverage his signature style while adapting the premise for U.S. socioeconomics. Sources describe the spin-off as a “narrative continuation” rather than a reboot, delving deeper into systemic cruelty and voyeuristic spectacle. Dennis Kelly’s background in dystopian storytelling (Utopia) further suggests a bleak, socially critical lens.

“Squid Game’s themes of wealth disparity and dehumanization resonate universally, but America offers unique cultural tensions to mine,” said Dr. Lena Park, media studies professor at USC. “Fincher’s ability to dissect moral ambiguity could redefine the franchise’s commentary for Western audiences.”

Production Timelines and Creative Challenges

According to industry reports, filming will commence in Los Angeles in December 2025. While casting details remain undisclosed, expectations point toward A-list talent alongside unknowns, mirroring the original’s approach. Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun) has publicly endorsed Fincher’s vision: “I’m looking forward to it so much… I have high expectations”.

Notably, Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed he is not directly involved in the spin-off, though he supports Fincher’s take: “As a big fan of David Fincher, I hugely respect his work… I can’t wait to see what he has in store”. This hands-off approach allows Fincher creative freedom but raises questions about maintaining the original’s cultural specificity.

Targeting Dual Audiences

Netflix aims to bridge two key demographics: devotees of the Korean original and Fincher’s established fanbase. The streamer’s multi-pronged franchise strategy, including video games and permanent Squid Game venues in Philadelphia and Dallas, suggests Squid Game: America will anchor a broader ecosystem. With Fincher’s Netflix pedigree (House of Cards, Mindhunter), the series also reinforces the streamer’s commitment to prestige talent.

Anticipation is tempered by practical hurdles, however. “Translating Squid Game’s childlike horrors into American games like Tag or Dodgeball requires ingenuity to avoid repetition,” noted entertainment analyst Michael Kessler. “Fincher must balance homage with fresh brutality”.

The Road Ahead

While Netflix has yet to announce a release window, sources speculate late 2026 at the earliest 5. The project’s success may hinge on Fincher’s ability to transplant the franchise’s visceral critique of capitalism into a landscape defined by Hollywood excess, a meta-commentary opportunity not lost on observers. As Hwang quipped, “The slap of ddakji may ring next in American streets”.

For now, the games’ expansion into America promises a high-stakes gamble: one pitting creative ambition against sky-high expectations.