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An English-language spin-off ofSquid Game, led by David Fincher, might come off as unnecessary, but perhaps Netflix isn’t wrong about this. With the original South Korean hit series wrapping up its third and final season this June, this rumored project might just be what the doctor ordered.
Squid Game’sphenomenal success doesn’t just belong to itscreator, Hwang Dong-hyuk,or Netflix; it represents a victory for all non-English TV shows and films worldwide. So, it’s understandable why reports of a potential remake or spin-off might be met with skepticism. The doubts continue to grow when big-nameauteurs like David Fincherare attached, as his talents are arguably better suited for more original projects rather than typical cash grabs.
CouldSquid GameExpand Beyond Season 3?
David Fincher’s Spin-Off Could Extend The Universe
In October 2024,Deadlineexclusively reportedthat a newEnglish-languageSquid Gameserieswas in development at Netflix.Fight Clubdirector David Fincher was revealed to be leading the project. This new series wouldn’t be a direct English-language remake, but rather a spin-off that would expand theSquid Gameuniverse with elements or storylines from the original Korean show. However, there have been no solid updates on this since then.
The Fincher-ledSquid Gamespin-off would mark Netflix’s first scripted expansion of the blockbuster Korean series. Notably, the streaming giant has already ventured beyond scripted content with thecontroversialSquid Game: The Challenge. The reality competition series was released in late 2023, and recreated the games from the show in a controlled setting. Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk also confirmed the Fincher spin-off project inan interview withThe Wrapin December 2024.
I know Netflix has a plan. They are not going to throw this idea away… Maybe I’ll be in one of those projects as an advisor or co-creator. Who knows? But Season 3 is not going to be the end of the Squid Game universe.
David Fincher’sSquid GameSpin-Off Might Just Work
At the time, the report was met with mixed to negative reactions on social media. Many felt that aSquid Gameremake – especially in English – would miss the entire point of the show and what made it work. Others argued that Fincher would be wasting his directorial expertise on such a project, and questionedwhy Netflix wasn’t renewingMindhunterinstead. The psychological crime thriller was canceled prematurely and never got its much-anticipated third season.
As unpopular as this might sound, David Fincher’sSquid Gamespin-off for Netflix is a win-win situation.Squid GameSeason 2received generally favorable reviews, but it still struggled to live up to its groundbreaking first season. Moreover, with its cliffhanger ending, there’s a lot riding on the upcoming Season 3, which could either add to the show’s legacy or bring it down entirely. In any case, given theSquid GameIP’s worldwide popularity, it’s inevitable that Netflix will continue expanding it, and having someone like Fincher at the helm is a gift to the franchise.
Can David Fincher ElevateSquid Game?
His 1997 FilmThe GameHas Similar Themes
Considering Fincher’s bold filmmaking voice, it’s inevitable that this potential project would deviate significantly fromthe originalSquid Game. While the Korean show arguably leans more into shock value and spectacle than organic, character-driven storytelling, Fincher could turn things around with his own take. This could elevateSquid Gamebeyond just a global phenomenon into a true critical darling, adding to its six Primetime Emmys.
After all, who could possibly say no to a Fincher-style psychological thriller take onSquid Game? Interestingly, the director has already explored a similar concept in the past, as seen in one of his most underrated films. His1997 thrillerThe Gamestarred Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. The film follows a wealthy investment banker who unknowingly becomes part of a diabolical, high-stakes game with real-life consequences.
Squid GameCan Bring Back The Old Fincher
His Netflix Legacy Hints At A Strong Project
David Fincher’s form as a director has not dropped off by any means. In this ongoing decade, he has delivered acclaimed films likeMankandThe Killer, withMankeven winning a few Oscars. However, his last mainstream hit feels like a long time ago, dating back toGone Girlin 2014orThe Social Networkin 2010. ASquid Game-sized project might be the answer to Fincher reclaiming his throne in mainstream cinema.
Any David Fincher-led Netflix series has never gone wrong, and that track record is likely to continue with the rumoredSquid Gameproject. In fact,theSe7endirectorplayed a key role in helping Netflix break into original content withHouse of Cards. WhileMindhunterhad a short-lived run, it remains one of the streaming platform’s best shows. Fincher also served as an executive producer and co-creator ofLove, Death + Robots.
Can Fincher’sSquid GameAvoid the Remake Trap?
If It Fails, Both Netflix And The Director Could Suffer
However, there are some genuine concerns surrounding this spin-off. Fincher’s experience remaking international films for an English-language audience hasn’t always clicked. Case in point: his adaptation ofThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which was released just two years after the Swedish version. Many argue that the original was both superior and more faithful to the source material. So, hisSquid Gamespin-off risks losing authenticity when it moves away from its original creator, home country, and language.
Hwang Dong-hyuk had also confirmed thatSquid Gamewas originally intended to be a single-season story, but it was laterexpanded into a second and third season. Considering that even the show’s creator faced challenges in extending the narrative, the spin-off comes with a lot of risks. It might just end up being stretched too thin or diluted. This could all possibly lead Netflix losing money, Fincher’s reputation taking a hit, andSquid Game’slegacy getting tarnished.
