David Fincher’s American Squid Game spinoff shelved by Netflix; director turns to Brad Pitt film

New Delhi: David Fincher’s long-discussed American Squid Game spinoff appears to have reached the end of the line. Netflix has reportedly decided not to proceed with the English-language project, which had been in development for several years under the working title Heckler.

The project first emerged in reports in 2024, with Fincher attached to direct and Dennis Kelly, the creator and writer of Utopia, brought in to develop the scripts. The plan was to give Netflix’s Korean survival-hit franchise an English-language expansion with Fincher at the helm.

However, according to sources cited by The Playlist, the streamer has now shelved the project. There had been no formal announcement from Netflix confirming the series, its final title or a production timeline.

Planned American version never reached production

For much of its development, the project remained surrounded by speculation. A listing on the Film and Television Industry Alliance website in November 2025 added fuel to the reports by naming Squid Game: America and indicating a February 2026 filming start in Los Angeles.

That production date ultimately came and went without an official announcement or signs of filming. The latest reports indicate that the proposed shoot will no longer happen.

Netflix’s priorities are also believed to have changed during the lengthy development process. According to The Playlist, shifts within the company and Fincher’s other commitments contributed to the project losing momentum.

Cate Blanchett link remains unconfirmed

Cate Blanchett’s name had also surfaced in discussions around the American expansion of the franchise. However, there is no confirmation that she was ever formally attached to Fincher’s planned series.

Her connection to the franchise comes from her brief appearance as the Recruiter in Squid Game Season 3, rather than confirmed casting in the shelved spinoff.

Fincher reunites with Brad Pitt

With the American Squid Game project reportedly off his slate, Fincher has another major film in progress. The filmmaker is working on The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a follow-up to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

The project brings Fincher and Brad Pitt together again, with Pitt returning as stuntman Cliff Booth. The film marks another collaboration between the actor and director following Se7en, Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.