Speculation is growing over a possible U.S. spin-off of Squid Game, Netflix’s global hit series. While Netflix has not officially confirmed a new season or spin-off, hints from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and a surprise celebrity cameo have sparked fresh debate about the franchise’s future.
In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Hwang neither confirmed nor denied whether a fourth season of Squid Game—possibly set in the United States—is in the works. Season 3, which premiered last week just six months after Season 2, ends with a shocking scene: actress Cate Blanchett appears in an alleyway in Los Angeles, seemingly recruiting a new player.
Blanchett’s cameo has led to questions about whether her role will be expanded. However, no deal has been announced, and it’s unclear if her appearance is a major setup for future seasons or simply a one-time surprise.
David Fincher’s Possible Involvement
Further fueling speculation, reports from Deadline last year claimed that director David Fincher (Fight Club, Mindhunter) is developing an English-language Squid Game series. Netflix has remained silent on the matter, and Hwang’s response to questions about the rumor was open-ended.
“I wanted to convey that in this late capitalist society, the system remains strong,” he told Vanity Fair when asked about ending the season in Los Angeles. “These kinds of games are still continuing in the U.S.”
Though this is not confirmation, it adds weight to theories that an American version of the deadly game may be coming.
No Word from Netflix
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Hwang said, “Nothing has been said to me officially by Netflix about this. I’ve only read it in articles myself.” This suggests that if a U.S. spin-off is being planned, it is happening without the creator’s direct involvement—at least for now.
Reality Spin-Off Unlikely to Return
While fans wonder about the future of the scripted series, it appears that the Squid Game reality show is unlikely to return. The 2023 show faced backlash for alleged unfair conditions, and winner Mai Whelan later claimed she never received her $4.56 million prize.
