3 weeks ago
Netflix reportedly shelves David Fincher's English-language Squid Game series
There is a very famous TV show called Squid Game that a streaming company named Netflix makes.
A famous movie director named David Fincher wanted to make an English-language version of Squid Game.
But a report from a website called The Playlist says Netflix has stopped working on that project.
The project had a secret name, Heckler, and a writer named Dennis Kelly was helping write it.
Netflix stopped because it changed leaders, Mr. Fincher was busy with other movies, and Netflix has new ideas for Squid Game.
Instead of one big American show, Netflix might make separate Squid Game shows in different countries, like France and Norway.
The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, said Netflix never told him about the American project.
Netflix is still making other Squid Game things, like a real-life game show called Squid Game: The Challenge with a big money prize.
There is also a video game called Squid Game: Unleashed.
So the English show is stopped, but Squid Game is still going in other fun ways.
Netflix has reportedly shelved David Fincher's English-language Squid Game series, which was tentatively titled Heckler.
The project lost momentum amid changes in Netflix's leadership, Fincher's commitments to other projects, and the streamer's evolving strategy for the Squid Game universe.
Netflix is now reportedly considering separate local versions of Squid Game for different countries, with France and Norway under consideration as proposals.
Screenwriter Dennis Kelly, creator of Utopia, was attached to the shelved series and had previously collaborated with Fincher on an HBO project that did not move forward.
Netflix continues expanding the franchise through other formats, including the reality show Squid Game: The Challenge and the Netflix Games title Squid Game: Unleashed.
- Who
- Filmmaker David Fincher, screenwriter Dennis Kelly, and streaming platform Netflix; Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk also commented on the project.
- What
- Netflix reportedly shelved David Fincher's English-language Squid Game series, tentatively titled Heckler, and is instead considering separate local versions for different countries.
- Where
- Production was expected to take place in the United Kingdom; France and Norway are reportedly under consideration for local versions, and Cate Blanchett's recruiter appeared in Los Angeles.
- When
- Exact timing is not specified in the report; the project had been rumored for several years and the Squid Game Season 3 finale was released in 2025.
- Why
- The project lost momentum due to changes in Netflix's leadership, Fincher's commitments to other high-profile projects, and Netflix's evolving strategy for the Squid Game universe.
Spin-off speculation
Creator's clarification
Meaning of Cate Blanchett's cameo
Spin-off speculation
Fans speculated that Blanchett's brief appearance as an American recruiter in Los Angeles was setting up the much-discussed US spin-off.
Creator's clarification
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk indicated the Season 3 ending was intended to suggest the games could continue beyond Korea, not to confirm an American series, and said Netflix had not officially informed him about a Fincher-led project.
Key facts
- Project status
- Shelved; no longer in development (per The Playlist report)
- Working title
- Heckler
- Attached screenwriter
- Dennis Kelly, creator of Utopia
- Reported reasons
- Netflix leadership changes, Fincher's other commitments, evolving Squid Game strategy
- Alternative plan
- Separate local Squid Game versions; France and Norway reportedly under consideration
- Production location
- Expected to take place in the United Kingdom
- Fincher's current project
- The Adventures of Cliff Booth, sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood written by Quentin Tarantino and starring Brad Pitt, slated for December release
- Franchise expansions
- Squid Game: The Challenge (USD 4.56 million prize) and Netflix Games' Squid Game: Unleashed
Quotes
Hwang Dong Hyuk
Creator of the Squid Game series
“I thought having a woman as a recruiter would be more dramatic and intriguing. And as for why Cate Blanchett, she's just the best, with unmatched charisma. Who doesn't love her?”
telegraphindia.com







