David Fincher Eyeing New ‘Squid Game’ Series As Next Project At Netflix – The Dish

EXCLUSIVE: While fans of the Netflix series Squid Game still have a couple months to go before the Season 2 premiere, they may be seeing this universe expand in a big way. Sources tell Deadline that a new English-language Squid Game series is in the works at the streamer, with David Fincher coming on to develop it.

Although details are vague, rumors have been growing for several months about what Fincher could be up to next. While he could squeeze in a movie beforehand, insiders say the Squid Game series is likely the project Fincher commits his time to in 2025.

This would mark the first Squid Game scripted series offshoot, though it is not the first universe extension for the Netflix blockbuster; there is also the unscripted series Squid Game: The Challenge, which has been renewed for a second season, along with a video game franchise. The Fincher series would mark the first English-language scripted Squid Game series, joining Hwang Dong-hyuk’s original Korean-language thriller.

Netflix had no comment.

Not only does Squid Game involve dark themes and tones that are seen throughout Fincher’s past works, it also is similar to his 1997 thriller The Game, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. That film also revolves around real-life people becoming unwitting participants in a diabolical game.

Fincher, who has a deal with Netflix for some time, had previously been linked to doing something in the Squid Game universe — including a potential English-language movie. In recent weeks, word has gotten out that it is in fact a series and not a movie. Outside of his involvement not much is known, other then it likely is set in the U.S.

The director has been one of Netflix’s top talents going back to when he helped the then-fledgling streamer jump into the world of original content with the drama series House of Cards. He was also behind Netflix’s cult crime thriller series Mindhunter, and he executive produced its Emmy-winning animated series Love, Death and Robots.

Fincher has always been a man of mystery when it comes to what he directs next; he usually has a handful of options in development to choose from. After directing The Killer for Netflix, which bowed last November, he has been taking his time figuring out his next move. In recent weeks, all signs were pointing to Squid Game being his next big project, sources say.

As for growing the Squid Game universe, this has been the plan for Netflix since the Korean series’ original installment became a massive breakout in 2021, still ranking as the streamer’s most popular series. It won six Primetime Emmys among its 14 nominations.

Ahead of the Season 2 premiere set for December 26, Squid Game has been renewed for a third and final season.

More to come on the Fincher series once we have it.