Netflix Officially Cancels “Squid Game” English-Language Spinoff “Heckler”
The American expansion project for Netflix’s hit original series “Squid Game” has ultimately fallen through.
Despite being in development for years on the back of “Squid Game”‘s global popularity, the project appears to have been shelved due to a combination of Netflix’s shifting franchise strategy and prolonged development delays.
According to a report on the 8th (local time) by American entertainment outlet The Playlist, Netflix has decided not to move forward any further with “Squid Game”‘s English-language spinoff, tentatively titled “Heckler.”
“Heckler” was a project developed to expand the Korea-born “Squid Game” into an English-language story, originally conceived as a spinoff set in the United States. Actual filming had been expected to take place in the United Kingdom.
David Fincher, director of “Fight Club,” “Zodiac,” and “Gone Girl,” was set to direct, with Dennis Kelly, known for the “Utopia” series, attached to write the script. Fincher had been involved in the project’s development as director, working with Netflix on it for an extended period.
As news of the project spread, fan interest in it grew considerably. Speculation arose that the project was connected to Fincher’s American spinoff after Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett appeared as an American recruiter in the final episode of “Squid Game” season 3.
The scene in question showed the Front Man (played by Lee Byunghun) witnessing an American recruiter playing ddakji in Los Angeles.
However, “Squid Game” creator Hwang Donghyuk drew a clear line against interpretations connecting that scene to Fincher’s spinoff. The Playlist likewise reported that there is no indication Blanchett was involved in “Heckler.”
Netflix’s shift in strategy appears to have played a role in “Heckler” stalling out during development. According to The Playlist, the project began at a time when Netflix was actively interested in producing an American version of “Squid Game.” However, as development dragged on for years, changes in Netflix leadership and revisions to its content strategy took place, and Fincher himself moved on to other film projects, weakening the momentum behind “Heckler.”
Netflix’s shift in OTT priorities and other strategic revisions also appear to be related to “Heckler” falling through. Rather than concentrating on a single English-language American version, Netflix has reportedly shifted its approach toward considering “Squid Game” expansions tailored to the characteristics of individual countries and markets.
That said, this does not mean spinoffs set in specific countries such as France or Norway have entered actual production. The Playlist likewise reported that no country-specific projects have been confirmed as being concretely underway at this time.
With “Heckler”‘s cancellation, “Squid Game” is now seeking a new direction for its franchise strategy, which had been expanding from Korea to the global market.
Meanwhile, “Squid Game” is Netflix’s flagship original series, starring Lee Jungjae and Lee Byunghun among others. Since its 2021 release, it has achieved worldwide popularity and established itself as one of Netflix’s leading global franchises. It became the first Korean work to win at the Critics’ Choice Awards and swept six awards at the 2022 Emmys, the top honor in American television, cementing the global standing of Korean content.
Source: Naver
