David Fincher’s long-rumored US spin-off of Squid Game is reportedly no longer moving forward at Netflix, bringing an end to one of the streamer’s most talked-about potential expansions of the Korean hit.
According to The Playlist, sources close to Fincher say Netflix has dropped Heckler, the reported working title for the English-language spin-off. The project had been in development for several years, with Utopia creator Dennis Kelly attached to write the series.
The reported cancellation comes after Netflix’s strategy for the Squid Game franchise appears to have shifted. Rather than focusing on a single American spin-off, the streamer is reportedly more interested in exploring stories tailored to different international markets. Possible countries mentioned in reports include France and Norway, although no specific regional spin-offs have been confirmed.
Fincher’s version was never officially announced by Netflix, but reports about the project had circulated since 2024. At one point, it was expected to become one of the filmmaker’s major projects, with production reportedly being considered for 2026.
The project also generated speculation following Cate Blanchett’s appearance in the Squid Game finale as an American recruiter. However, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously denied that her appearance was connected to Fincher’s rumored series. There is also reportedly no indication that Blanchett was ever attached to Heckler.
With Fincher now focused on The Adventures of Cliff Booth, his upcoming Netflix film starring Brad Pitt, the director’s Squid Game project had already lost momentum. The film is currently scheduled for a two-week IMAX theatrical run beginning November 25, 2026, followed by its Netflix release on December 23.
The cancellation means Fincher will not be making the first scripted English-language expansion of Squid Game. The franchise has already expanded beyond the original Korean series through Netflix’s reality competition show Squid Game: The Challenge.
For now, Fincher’s next project remains unclear. Possibilities reportedly include a Chinatown prequel series, the Western Bitterroot, and another project being developed with Gone Girl writer Gillian Flynn.
Netflix has not publicly confirmed the cancellation of Heckler.
