The project, which had been circulating in industry reports since 2024 under the working title “Heckler,” was never officially announced by the streaming giant. If the report is accurate, it marks a significant change in direction for one of Netflix’s most valuable global franchises.
Why Netflix’s Reported ‘Squid Game’ Strategy Has Changed
The reported project was conceived as an English-language extension of “Squid Game,” the South Korean survival thriller created by Hwang Dong-hyuk that became Netflix’s biggest global breakout after debuting in 2021. The series went on to release two additional seasons, with its third and final installment arriving in 2025, cementing its status as one of the platform’s flagship originals.
Source: IMDb
According to The Playlist’s sources, Fincher’s show was developed during a period when Netflix was actively exploring an American take on the phenomenon. Dennis Kelly, best known for creating the British hit “Utopia,” was reportedly hired to write the project, while the working title “Heckler” surfaced in previous industry reports. However, after several years of development and changes within Netflix’s executive ranks, the company’s priorities for the franchise are said to have evolved.
Rather than building its expansion around a single English-language series, Netflix is reportedly looking at a broader international approach. The report claims the streamer is now more interested in developing country-specific versions for different markets instead of centering its plans on one English-language production. While ideas such as French or Norwegian adaptations have been mentioned as theoretical possibilities, no regional projects have been confirmed.
The project also appears to have lost momentum as Fincher shifted his attention to other work, including “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” his upcoming Netflix feature starring Brad Pitt. According to The Playlist, that picture recently completed principal photography and is currently undergoing additional filming, leaving the author focused elsewhere.
