Aug 07, 2026 12:55pm IST
David Fincher’s ‘Squid Game’ Spin-Off ‘Heckler’ Gets Canceled at Streamer
The American “Squid Game” spin-off is not happening after all. Led by David Fincher, the show has been canceled at Netflix, as per a new report. With the working title “Heckler,” the English-language spin-off of the popular South Korean money-chaser series was anticipated. Almost confirmed with the appearance of Cate Blanchett as the saleswoman in the last episode of Season 3, high hopes were placed on the release.
Related Stories
According to The Playlist coverage, the streaming platform will not be moving ahead with the "Squid Game" spin-off. Expected to be based in Los Angeles following Blanchett’s cameo, there were reports of shoots being planned for the United Kingdom. Dennis Kelly, the creator and writer of the original English series “Utopia,” was roped in for the US version.
The streamer is said to have moved away from the project after long-term developmental and executive changes. With “changed priorities,” the spin-off met a dead end and Fincher chose to take on other tasks, including working on his next film, “The Adventures of Cliff Booth”. It is expected that there will be individual international versions in place; however, there are no confirmations on this front.
Popular on Variety
Hwang Dong Hyuk denied any involvement in the planning for Fincher’s spin-off and distanced himself from the conversation altogether. Meanwhile, Netflix itself never green-lit any scheduling or casting update. The original Korean series ended its run with the third season, which aired in June 2025. A reality competition program, “Squid Game: The Challenge,” has been the only related property to have come out of the show so far.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.