David Fincher Must Complete His Netflix Series Before Directing ‘Squid Game America’

Rumors have begun circulating that David Fincher may be in the process of creating a spinoff of the hit series Squid Game for Netflix. However, before he embarks on this new project, we believe it would be best for him to wrap up his previous endeavor with the streaming giant.

Squid Game has proven to be an extraordinary success for Netflix, with its first season achieving record-breaking viewership. The much-anticipated Season 2 is set to debut in just a few months and promises to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps.

Given that Squid Game originates from South Korea and is produced in the Korean language, it seems almost expected for Netflix to want to create an American adaptation. What is more surprising, however, is the news that David Fincher will be involved in what some are calling ‘Squid Game America.’

There’s little question that Fincher possesses the skills to develop something remarkable within the Squid Game universe. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that he left Mindhunter fans in suspense five years ago, prompting us to hope he will conclude that series on the platform before venturing into new territory.

What’s the Status of Mindhunter Season 3?

Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) at a desk in Mindhunter. — Netflix

The inaugural season of Mindhunter launched in 2017, followed by the second season in 2019. Unfortunately, escalating production costs caused Season 3 to be postponed and ultimately canceled.

This gripping series delved into the formation of the FBI’s esteemed serial crime unit during the late 1970s, making it an expensive period drama to produce.

In a conversation with Variety back in 2020 regarding the third season, Fincher remarked, “I’m not sure if it’s sensible to carry on. The show required a significant budget. It had a devoted fanbase, but it never achieved the viewership numbers necessary to justify the expense.”

Additionally, there were challenges behind the scenes; scripts were shelved, a showrunner was dismissed, and the main cast was released from their contracts.

A representative from Netflix indicated at the time that Fincher “might revisit Mindhunter in the future but believed it was unfair to keep the actors from seeking other roles while he explored new projects.”

This left fans feeling disappointed, as the series was originally envisioned as a five-season arc, and many storylines remain unfinished—particularly concerning the evolution of criminal profiling and the personal journeys of characters like Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), and Wendy Carr (Anna Torv).

What is Squid Game America?

An early image from Squid Game Season 2. — Netflix

The anticipated Squid Game series is poised to be a sequel or spinoff produced in English.

Deadline recently reported, stating that “while specifics remain unclear, there has been growing speculation for several months about Fincher’s next move. Although he might be able to direct a film in the interim, insiders suggest that the Squid Game series is likely where he will focus his efforts in 2025.”

Reportedly, Dennis Kelly is set to pen the spinoff, which aligns with Fincher’s admiration for Kelly’s work on the Channel 4 series Utopia, for which Fincher initially sought American adaptation rights before eventually stepping away from the project.

Fincher’s background adds credibility, as his 1997 thriller The Game showcases themes somewhat akin to those in the first season of Squid Game.

This American adaptation will not mark the first spinoff from Squid Game; an immensely popular gameshow titled Squid Game: The Challenge has already been commissioned for a second season.

What Would Have Been the Conclusion of Mindhunter?

“At some stage, I’d love to return to it,” Fincher shared with Variety. “The initial plan was to progress through the late ’90s and early 2000s, ideally culminating with the events surrounding Dennis Rader’s apprehension.”

However, given that Squid Game appears to be Fincher’s primary focus for the foreseeable future, the chances of any future Mindhunter installments seem bleak.

During a more recent interview, Fincher commented that he holds no resentment towards Netflix regarding the series ending, stating: “They took significant risks to launch the show, provided me with the means to create Mank as I envisioned, and allowed me the freedom to explore new narratives with The Killer. It’s a privilege to collaborate with an organization that embraces bold choices. The moment our aspirations diverge, we must be truthful about parting ways.”

For all the latest updates on Squid Game Season 2, take a look at this link, plus check out these 7 shows worth watching if you enjoyed Squid Game: The Challenge.

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