The global phenomenon Squid Game concluded its third and final season on June 27, 2025, leaving fans intrigued by a cryptic ending that hinted at the expansion of its universe. The final moments of Squid Game Season 3 introduced a surprising cameo and a new setting in Los Angeles, sparking widespread speculation about a potential US-based spin-off. While no official confirmation has been made, rumors and statements from key figures like creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and reports of involvement from acclaimed director David Fincher have fueled anticipation. Below is a detailed overview of what we know about the potential Squid Game US spin-off, including plot hints, cast details, and production updates.
Note: This article will be updated as more information about the Squid Game US spin-off becomes available.
Squid Game US Spin-Off Plot and Setting: A New Game in America
The Squid Game Season 3 finale ended with a striking scene featuring the Front Man, Hwang In-ho (played by Lee Byung-hun), observing two individuals playing the traditional Korean game ddakji in an alleyway in Los Angeles. The camera revealed one of these players to be Cate Blanchett, portraying a recruiter for the deadly games, a role reminiscent of the one played by Gong Yoo in earlier seasons. This moment has been widely interpreted as a tease for a US-set story within the Squid Game universe, shifting the narrative from South Korea to America.
Hwang Dong-hyuk has clarified that the ending was not explicitly designed to set up a spin-off but rather to deliver a broader commentary on capitalism’s global reach. In an interview with Variety, he stated, “Actually no, not at all. It’s not related to that. All I wanted to have was just an impactful ending, and that’s all that was to it. Honestly, I haven’t heard officially from Netflix about David Fincher creating a Squid Game,” he said. “I have heard the rumors of course though. But again, it was just the ending that I wanted for Season 3.” This suggests the Los Angeles scene was meant to underscore the cyclical nature of the games and their existence beyond Korea, rather than a direct setup for a new series.
However, Hwang has not entirely dismissed the possibility of future projects. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he noted, “I’m not trying to say that I’m going to close the door to spinoffs or sequels altogether because they say never say never.” This openness leaves room for a US spin-off to explore new characters and games while maintaining the core themes of Squid Game—desperation, survival, and societal inequality.
Reports indicate that the potential spin-off would not be a remake of the original series but a fresh story set within the same universe, likely focusing on a new group of contestants in an American context. The narrative could delve into how the games operate in a different cultural and economic landscape, with new challenges and stakes tailored to the US setting.
Cast: Who Might Star in the Squid Game US Spin-Off?
While no official casting announcements have been made, Cate Blanchett’s cameo as the recruiter in the Season 3 finale strongly suggests she could return in a significant role. Hwang Dong-hyuk explained her casting, noting, “There’s only one line, so we needed someone who had that level of presence and charisma to completely dominate the screen in that instant. And that naturally led me to Cate Blanchett.” Her brief but commanding appearance as a recruiter hints at a pivotal role, potentially as a central figure orchestrating or overseeing the American games.
Another name frequently mentioned is Leonardo DiCaprio, whom Hwang has expressed interest in casting as the US equivalent of Seong Gi-hun, the protagonist originally played by Lee Jung-jae. In a Vanity Fair interview, Hwang revealed that DiCaprio would be his “first pick” for the role, citing his ability to embody a complex, everyman character caught in the games’ brutal system. While this remains speculative, DiCaprio’s star power and history with intense, dramatic roles make him a compelling choice.
Additionally, Rooney Mara has emerged as a fan-favorite casting idea due to her frequent collaborations with David Fincher, who is rumored to be involved in the project. Her experience in films like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo could make her a strong fit for a lead or supporting role in the high-stakes world of Squid Game.
Other potential cast members remain unconfirmed, but Lee Byung-hun, who plays the Front Man, has expressed interest in a spin-off centered on his character. In a Hollywood Reporter interview, he mentioned joking with Hwang about a Front Man-focused story, suggesting a prequel or side story exploring the character’s backstory could be compelling. Whether this would tie into the US spin-off or exist as a separate project is unclear.
Squid Game US Production: David Fincher’s Involvement and Development Status
Rumors of a US spin-off first surfaced in October 2024, when Deadline reported that David Fincher, known for films like Fight Club and Se7en, was developing an English-language Squid Game series for Netflix. The project is said to be a fresh take rather than a direct adaptation, set within the Squid Game universe but with a distinct American perspective. Production Weekly has reported that the series is set to begin production in Los Angeles as early as December 2025, adding credibility to the timeline for this anticipated project. Despite these reports, Hwang has repeatedly stated that he has not received official confirmation from Netflix about Fincher’s involvement, as noted in his Variety and Hollywood Reporter interviews.
Fincher’s potential role as director or showrunner has generated significant buzz due to his track record with dark, psychological thrillers like Mindhunter and Gone Girl. His involvement could bring a gritty, cinematic quality to the spin-off, aligning with the intense tone of the original series. However, conflicting reports have emerged, with some sources, such as Times Now, quoting Hwang as saying rumors about filming beginning in December 2025 lack basis.
As of July 5, 2025, Netflix has not officially greenlit the project, and details about the production timeline, writers, or budget remain scarce. Hwang’s comments suggest he would be open to contributing to or watching a US spin-off, particularly if Fincher is involved, stating he would “definitely click on it immediately after it’s released” if it happens.
What’s Next for the Squid Game franchise?
While the Squid Game US spin-off remains unconfirmed, the groundwork laid by the Season 3 finale and ongoing rumors point to a strong possibility of its development. With potential involvement from David Fincher, a high-profile cast led by Cate Blanchett, and Hwang Dong-hyuk’s cautious optimism, the project could expand the Squid Game universe in exciting ways. For now, fans await official word from Netflix, which could clarify the spin-off’s direction, cast, and release timeline. Until then, the Los Angeles ddakji scene serves as a tantalizing hint of what might come next in this gripping saga.
