What can we hope for with David Fincher’s ‘Squid Game’ spin-off?
Squid Game was never just a show; it was a cultural phenomenon and a touchstone for Netflix. So, it’s not surprising that the conclusion broke hearts and left many craving for a bit more. While the story of Seong Gi-hun and the Front Man may have ended, word on the street suggests a spin-off project based in the same universe is in the works. And helming the expansion is none other than David Fincher.
According to a scoop by Mint, the spin-off will be based on the successful South Korean thriller, but it won’t be a direct reboot or remake. The extension will not retell or recap the events of the original show and instead will build upon the existing universe with a deeper focus on the mythology surrounding the twisted games.
Fincher’s rumoured Squid Game offshoot is supposed to be a narrative progression exploring and expanding on themes of financial inequality, socio-economic divisions, desperation and survival. Although the branch will reportedly continue the existing lore, make no mistake, this is no remake. Industry insiders suggest the project has set its sights on December 2025 to kickstart production for Netflix.
Dennis Kelly has allegedly been entrusted with writing responsibilities for this spin-off. His expertise in crafting sinister plots and biting satire makes him tailor-made for this bleak yet brilliant world. As of now, it’s unclear whether Fincher will take the directorial seat for the entire series or select episodes. However, the speculations of his involvement seemed more than enough to send ripples down the fans’ spines. Although Netflix has yet to comment and confirm such a development, the rumours are not exactly novel.
In fact, conjectures around a Squid Game spin-off series had been in the air for a long time. But after Cate Blanchett’s cameo in the original show’s finale as the LA recruiter, the fan theories have been on an upswing. Moreover, Blanchett has previously worked with Fincher on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Hence, it makes sense that fans are already on cloud nine. However, when The Hollywood Reporter recently asked Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk whether the finale cameo was meant to open the door for an American spin-off, he declined any such speculations.
Dong-hyuk has previously revealed that if he continues Squid Game with a spin-off, he would like to address the time gap between seasons one and two. Speaking on the rumours, he said, “I didn’t end it on that note in order to deliberately leave room for further stories to happen. Gi-hun and Front Man, through these characters, the games in Korea have ended.” He explained, noting that Squid Game dawned on him with a desire to confront the endless rat race of late capitalism.
By bringing an LA recruiter in the finale, Dong-hyuk wanted to show that even though “one comes down, it’s not easy to dismantle the whole system”. He shed light on the possibility of David Fincher’s Squid Game spin-off, saying Netflix has yet to enlighten him on it. But having been a lifelong fan of his work, if the Hollywood director were to create an American offshoot, he wouldn’t think twice before hitting play.
Of course, there’s still some fog around the confirmation. But in a separate interview, the creator confirmed Squid Game season three is not the end of the universe. He knows that Netflix has a plan for an American series, and since Fincher is the master of dark, psychological storytelling with credits like Fight Club, Gone Girl, and Mindhunter, which is also his original project with Netflix, he seems predestined to helm the dystopian franchise.