Squid Game: America sets February 2026 shoot; David Fincher to direct, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk on board

Squid Game update

Squid Game is officially expanding its universe, with an English-language adaptation now gearing up for production. Titled Squid Game: America, the project has moved beyond early speculation and is set to begin filming in early 2026, according to a new report by Collider.

The ambitious spin-off will see Hollywood heavyweight David Fincher stepping in as lead director, alongside the involvement of the original series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk.

As per details listed on the Film & Television Industry Alliance (FTIA) website, production for Squid Game: America is scheduled to kick off on February 26, 2026.

The shoot is expected to take place primarily across Los Angeles and other parts of California, marking one of Netflix’s largest US-based undertakings within the Squid Game universe. Hwang Dong-hyuk and Kim Ji-yeon, CEO of Pertsman Studio, will join Fincher as producers, signaling a strong creative bridge between the Korean original and its American counterpart.

While the plot specifics remain tightly under wraps, preliminary information suggests that the series will not be a remake of the original South Korean hit.

Instead, Squid Game: America will function as an official spin-off set within the same universe, unfolding parallel to the events of the Korean storyline.

The new series will explore how the deadly game system operates within an American cultural context, potentially offering fresh games, new symbolism, and a different socio-political critique.

Also Read: Squid Game seasons 1,2,3: Twists, themes, and the evolution of the Netflix series from survival thriller to global allegory

Adding to the buzz is the involvement of Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, who made a surprise cameo at the end of Squid Game Season 3.

Her appearance hinted at her stepping into the mysterious recruiter role previously played by Gong Yoo. Cate is reportedly expected to reprise this character in the Western adaptation, though Netflix has yet to make a formal announcement.

Neither Fincher nor Hwang Dong-hyuk has publicly commented on the spin-off so far, but the FTIA listing appears consistent with earlier industry chatter. If shooting proceeds as scheduled, the project is eyeing a release around Christmas 2028.