The global phenomenon Squid Game is officially expanding its universe with a new American spin off series, and acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher has reportedly joined the project as director. The series, titled Squid Game America, will be set in the same fictional world as the original Korean hit but will explore how the deadly games unfold in a United States setting.
According to production listings, the project is moving into advanced development with both Fincher and original creator Hwang Dong Hyuk attached. While Netflix has not yet made a formal public announcement, documents shared in industry databases list the two filmmakers as leading the creative direction of the new series.
The spin off will not be a remake of the original. Instead, it will operate within the same universe, suggesting that the concept of the dangerous survival game extends across multiple countries. Fans may get to see how the American organisers conduct their version of the competition, offering a fresh perspective on the show’s themes of inequality, capitalism and desperation.
Reports indicate that filming is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles and other parts of California in February 2026. The scale of production suggests that Netflix is positioning the series as a major global release, similar to the original, which became one of the most watched programmes on the platform.
David Fincher’s involvement has generated significant excitement within the industry. Known for his mastery of dark, psychological storytelling in films such as Gone Girl, The Social Network and Fight Club, Fincher is expected to bring a gripping and intense visual approach to the American version. His collaboration with Hwang Dong Hyuk also hints at a fusion of Korean storytelling depth with Hollywood cinematic precision.
Hwang Dong Hyuk, who wrote and directed the original Squid Game, will remain closely involved with the spin off to ensure thematic and narrative consistency. Fans believe this partnership will preserve the emotional and social commentary that made the series a global success.
While details about the cast, plot and release date remain under wraps, expectations are already rising. Industry watchers predict that the American version will explore issues unique to the United States, including economic disparity and societal pressures, mirroring the Korean version’s exploration of debt and class struggle.
As anticipation builds, Squid Game America is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest upcoming projects. With David Fincher and Hwang Dong Hyuk leading the creative vision, the spin off promises a bold and powerful new chapter in the Squid Game franchise.
