What We Know About the English-Language Version of Squid Game

There’s been a lot of buzz since the release of Squid Game Season 3 — especially about a possible American version of Netflix’s hit South Korean series. Rumors are swirling about the plot, casting, and creative team. Here’s everything we know so far.

The Season 3 Finale Hints at a Spin-Off

If you watched the final episode of Squid Game 3, you probably caught the huge teaser for a potential spin-off. In the closing moments, we see In-ho (Lee Byung-hun) in Los Angeles delivering a gift to Gi-Hun’s daughter. Stuck in traffic, he spots two people in an alley playing Dadaji — the paper-flipping game used by Gong Yao’s “Salesman” in earlier seasons.

The twist? The recruiter turns around, and it’s Cate Blanchett in a gray suit. She and In-ho share a knowing look, strongly suggesting that the deadly games might be part of a global network, not just limited to South Korea.

Cate Blanchett’s Possible Role

Cate Blanchett’s brief cameo has left fans wondering if she’ll have a bigger role in the U.S. version. Netflix hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but casting an Oscar-winning star could either be a clever marketing move or a sign of deeper story plans.

In the original series, Gong Yoo’s cameo as the recruiter added star power. Blanchett, who’s worked with Netflix before and appeared in series like Mrs. America and Disclaimer, would bring even more global attention. It’s also worth noting that she previously collaborated with David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), who might be involved in this new project.

David Fincher’s Involvement

Reports from 2024 suggested that acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher (Mindhunter, Mank, The Killer) was developing an English-language version of Squid Game for Netflix.

When asked whether the Season 3 finale was teasing Fincher’s version, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk gave a vague answer:

“I wanted to show that in our capitalist society, the system is deeply entrenched — and that these kinds of games are still happening in the U.S.”

While Hwang is supportive of international spin-offs, he’s said he likely won’t be directly involved. Instead, he believes local creators should bring their own unique spin to the concept in different countries.

Could Season 3 Be the End?

Despite all the speculation, there’s still no official confirmation of a spin-off. Netflix has experimented with Squid Game spinoffs before — like the controversial reality show and mobile games — but nothing on the scale of a new scripted series has been announced.

Hwang has downplayed the Season 3 ending as anything more than a dramatic finale:

“I haven’t heard anything official about Fincher’s project. The ending was just the impactful conclusion I wanted — nothing more.”

When Might We See Squid Game USA?

Since Squid Game 3 premiered in June 2025, any new version is still years away. Fincher is currently focused on The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth, a film sequel to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood starring Brad Pitt. That project is expected to start production in 2025.

Given that timeline, a U.S. version of Squid Game likely won’t arrive before 2027.

🧠 FAQs About the English-Language Squid Game Series

Q1: Is there really going to be an American version of Squid Game?
A: While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed it yet, many hints — including the Season 3 finale and reports about David Fincher’s involvement — strongly suggest an English-language version is in development.

Q2: When will the U.S. version of Squid Game be released?
A: If the project moves forward, the earliest we could see it is around 2027. David Fincher is currently working on another project scheduled before the Squid Game adaptation.

Q3: Will Cate Blanchett really be in the new series?
A: Cate Blanchett made a surprise cameo in the final episode of Squid Game 3, but Netflix has not confirmed if she’ll have a major role in the spin-off. Her appearance could be either a teaser or a sign of a bigger role to come.

Q4: Will the original creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, be involved?
A: Hwang has given his blessing for international versions of Squid Game, but he does not plan to be directly involved. He believes local creators should lead their own adaptations.

Q5: Will the American Squid Game have the same story as the Korean version?
A: The U.S. version is expected to follow a similar concept — a deadly competition with high stakes — but with new characters, settings, and cultural elements tailored to an American audience.

Q6: Is David Fincher confirmed as the director?
A: Not officially. However, reports from 2024 indicated that Fincher was developing the project for Netflix. If true, he would likely serve as director or executive producer.

Q7: Could Squid Game 3 be the end of the franchise?
A: The creator has said that the Season 3 ending wasn’t meant to confirm a spin-off, but it leaves the door open. Netflix’s interest and the show’s global popularity make more projects likely.

Q8: Will the games still be based on childhood activities?
A: While nothing has been confirmed, the core idea of Squid Game — turning innocent games into deadly challenges  is expected to remain, possibly featuring classic American childhood games.

Final Thoughts

While nothing is set in stone, all signs point to Netflix expanding the Squid Game universe beyond Korea. The hints in Season 3, Cate Blanchett’s cameo, and David Fincher’s rumored involvement all suggest that the deadly competition could soon reach American soil.

Until then, fans will have to wait and see how this global phenomenon continues to evolve.