Summary
- David Fincher's potential Squid Game spin-off could expand the universe beyond Season 3.
- Fincher's involvement could elevate the show into a critical darling with his unique filmmaking voice.
- Despite risks of dilution, a Fincher-led spin-off may help Netflix further expand the IP globally.
An English-language spin-off of Squid 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's phenomenal success doesn't just belong to its creator, 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-name auteurs like David Fincher are attached, as his talents are arguably better suited for more original projects rather than typical cash grabs.
8 Things That Are Likely To Happen In Squid Game Season 3
Although only time will tell, it's likely that fans will see the following events play out in Season 3 of Squid Game.
Could Squid Game Expand Beyond Season 3?
David Fincher’s Spin-Off Could Extend The Universe
In October 2024, Deadline exclusively reported that a new English-language Squid Game series was in development at Netflix. Fight Club director 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 the Squid Game universe with elements or storylines from the original Korean show. However, there have been no solid updates on this since then.
The Fincher-led Squid Game spin-off would mark Netflix's first scripted expansion of the blockbuster Korean series. Notably, the streaming giant has already ventured beyond scripted content with the controversial Squid 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 in an interview with The Wrap in 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’s Squid Game Spin-Off Might Just Work
Fans Wanted Mindhunter Instead Of A Remake
At the time, the report was met with mixed to negative reactions on social media. Many felt that a Squid Game remake – 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 questioned why Netflix wasn’t renewing Mindhunter instead. The psychological crime thriller was canceled prematurely and never got its much-anticipated third season.
As unpopular as this might sound, David Fincher’s Squid Game spin-off for Netflix is a win-win situation. Squid Game Season 2 received 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 the Squid Game IP’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 Elevate Squid Game?
His 1997 Film The Game Has Similar Themes
Considering Fincher’s bold filmmaking voice, it’s inevitable that this potential project would deviate significantly from the original Squid 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 elevate Squid Game beyond 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 on Squid Game? Interestingly, the director has already explored a similar concept in the past, as seen in one of his most underrated films. His 1997 thriller The Game starred 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 Game Can 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 like Mank and The Killer, with Mank even winning a few Oscars. However, his last mainstream hit feels like a long time ago, dating back to Gone Girl in 2014 or The Social Network in 2010. A Squid 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 rumored Squid Game project. In fact, the Se7en director played a key role in helping Netflix break into original content with House of Cards. While Mindhunter had a short-lived run, it remains one of the streaming platform’s best shows. Fincher also served as an executive producer and co-creator of Love, Death + Robots.
Can Fincher’s Squid Game Avoid 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 of The 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, his Squid Game spin-off risks losing authenticity when it moves away from its original creator, home country, and language.
Hwang Dong-hyuk had also confirmed that Squid Game was originally intended to be a single-season story, but it was later expanded 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, and Squid Game’s legacy getting tarnished.
Squid Game
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2021 - 2025
- Network
- Netflix
- Cast
- Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-jun, Jeon Young-soo, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, Park Gyu-young, Kang Ae-sim, Park Hae-soo, Park Hye-jin, Kang Ha-neul, Hoyeon, Oh Young-soo, Yang Dong-geun, Heo Sung-tae, Kim Joo-ryoung, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Anupam Tripathi, Lee You-mi, Choi Gwi-hwa, Lee Da-wit, Jun Suk-ho, Ha Soo-ho, You Seong-joo
- Showrunner
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Directors
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Writers
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Main Genre
- Mystery
- Seasons
- 3
- Producers
- Han Heung-seok
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Creator(s)
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
