Squid Game may not be heading to an English-language spin-off after all. Reports say Netflix has shelved the long-rumoured project linked to filmmaker David Fincher.

The reported project had remained under development for several years. Netflix never officially announced the series, so details about its progress came mainly from industry reports.

The Daily Star reported on August 8 that the project had reportedly used the working title “Heckler”. Other reports described it as an American or English-language expansion of the South Korean hit series.

Fincher Was Linked to the Project

Reports first connected Fincher with the project several years ago.

The acclaimed filmmaker was reportedly developing an English-language Squid Game series with British writer Dennis Kelly. Kelly is best known for creating the television series Utopia.

Earlier reports suggested that the project would not remake the original Korean series. Instead, it would reportedly explore a new story within the same universe.

The idea attracted major attention because of Fincher’s reputation for dark and psychological stories.

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His long relationship with Netflix also added to the interest. Fincher has worked with the streaming platform on projects including House of Cards, Mindhunter and The Killer.

A Fincher-led expansion of the Squid Game universe therefore became one of the most closely watched projects linked to the franchise.

Season 3 Finale Fueled Speculation

Talk of an American expansion grew after the ending of Squid Game Season 3.

Actress Cate Blanchett made a brief appearance in the finale. She played a recruiter involved in a game of ddakji in Los Angeles.

The scene quickly sparked speculation among fans.

Many viewers believed the appearance could point towards a US-based story. However, reports at the time stressed that the cameo did not confirm Fincher’s reported project.

Netflix also did not announce an American spin-off following the finale.

Netflix May Take a Different Approach

The reported shelving comes as Netflix appears to be considering other ways to expand the Squid Game franchise.

Recent reports suggest the company could focus more on locally produced versions in different countries.

France and Norway have emerged as possible locations for future projects. However, reports describe those ideas as being at an early stage.

This approach could allow Netflix to expand the franchise without relying on one major English-language adaptation.

Project Remained Unconfirmed

Reports in 2024 suggested that Fincher expected to spend time developing the English-language project.

Dennis Kelly was also linked to the series as its writer.

Despite the reports, Netflix never publicly confirmed the production.

That distinction is important. The latest reports describe the project as shelved, but Netflix has not officially announced a cancellation.

For fans, the news still represents a major setback.

Many had hoped that Fincher’s distinctive visual style and psychological storytelling would bring a new direction to the Squid Game universe.

Squid Game Remains a Global Hit

The original Korean Squid Game remains one of Netflix’s biggest global franchises.

Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the survival drama became a worldwide hit after its debut in 2021.

The franchise later expanded with additional seasons and the reality competition series Squid Game: The Challenge.

For now, however, the future of Fincher’s reported English-language project remains uncertain.

Unless Netflix confirms its status, the project should not be described as an officially cancelled series.