The much-discussed English version of Netflix’s smash hit “Squid Game” is still in the works, according to an update from the show’s original creator. The Korean-language original achieved remarkable success, spawning a reality TV adaptation and with two follow-up seasons in the pipeline. “Squid Game” season 2 premiered on December 26, 2024, and season 3 is expected to debut in 2025. Additionally, the reality show “The Challenge” has been renewed for another season. Among these developments, the most anticipated one is David Fincher’s upcoming English-language show, which will reunite him with Netflix after projects like “House of Cards” and “Mindhunter”.
In an interview, creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared insights into the future of the franchise. While confirming that season 3 is currently in development, he also talked about “Squid Game: The Challenge” and stated that the idea of David Fincher’s English show is very much alive. Netflix remains committed to the concept, and Hwang even expressed a willingness to get involved in the production. Here’s what he said:
“I know Netflix has a plan. They are not going to throw this idea away… Maybe I’ll be in one of those projects as an advisor or co-creator. Who knows? But Season 3 is not going to be the end of the ‘Squid Game’ universe.”
What this update implies for the English “Squid Game” remake is that its development has been slow yet continuous. Given the show’s massive success, this is hardly unexpected. It swiftly became Netflix’s most-watched program, attracting over 100 million viewers and turning into a pop culture phenomenon. Season 1 received outstanding acclaim, boasting a 95% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and an 83% audience-based Popcornmeter score. With such high praise and viewership, it was only natural for Netflix to aim to expand the franchise, and Fincher’s forthcoming series should build on that success, despite the more mixed reception of “Squid Game” season 2.
Details about Fincher’s show remain scarce. It’s likely to be a spin-off produced in English, broadening the reach of the games across different countries. The ending of “Squid Game” season 2 demonstrated how difficult it is to put an end to the games, making it logical for the concept to extend to new locations. The United States is likely to be Fincher’s target, as a Hollywood production seems like the next logical step for the franchise, although England is also a possibility, considering that “Squid Game: The Challenge” took place there.
Fincher’s “Squid Game” spin-off might be expanding the franchise too rapidly. The original show premiered in 2021 when theaters were struggling and streaming services were on the ascent. Today, with numerous competing platforms and a gradual recovery at the box office, the media landscape has changed. “Squid Game” thrived due to Hwang’s creative prowess, but it also benefited from perfect timing. Given these altered circumstances, for the franchise to continue expanding at this pace, “Squid Game” season 2 will need to be an outstanding success. Otherwise, there’s a real chance that Fincher’s spin-off could face difficulties or even be shelved in the coming months.
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