The long-speculated American adaptation of the global hit Squid Game is finally moving forward. After months of industry whispers and conflicting updates, the English-language spin-off—titled Squid Game: America—now has an official filming timeline, with production slated to begin in February 2026. The project will feature the powerhouse collaboration of award-winning filmmaker David Fincher and the original creator, Hwang Dong Hyuk, marking a significant milestone in Netflix’s growing global franchise.
Production Details Locked: Filming Starts February 26, 2026
According to a recent report by Collider, citing the Film & Television Industry Alliance (FTIA) database, Squid Game: America will hit the floors on February 26, 2026. Los Angeles and other California locations have been shortlisted as the primary filming hubs.
Fincher—known for critically acclaimed projects like Fight Club, Seven, Gone Girl, and Netflix’s own Mindhunter—will direct the series. Joining him as producers are Hwang Dong Hyuk, creator of the original Emmy-winning Korean series, and Kim Ji Yeon, CEO of Pertsman Studio.
This marks an unexpected turn, especially since Hwang had earlier denied involvement in the American continuation of the franchise. The updated production listing, however, confirms his creative presence in the new spin-off.
A Parallel Universe, Not a Remake
While plot specifics remain under wraps, sources confirm that Squid Game: America will not remake the Korean storyline. Instead, it will be set in the same shared universe, exploring the deadly games through the lens of American society.
This spin-off will reportedly highlight:
- Cultural reinterpretation of the games, tailored to an American setting
- New characters and fresh moral dilemmas
- Expanded world-building, tying into the broader Squid Game universe
The show aims to maintain the original’s psychological intensity while adding a Western narrative flavor.
Cate Blanchett’s Potential Involvement Raises Excitement
Fans may recall that Cate Blanchett made a cameo at the end of Squid Game Season 3, stepping into a role reminiscent of Gong Yoo’s mysterious salesman. This sparked speculation that she may carry her character forward into the American adaptation.
While no official casting confirmations have been released, industry reports suggest Blanchett is expected to appear in Squid Game: America as well.
Expected Release Window: Christmas 2028
If filming follows the projected schedule, the series is expected to premiere around Christmas 2028, aligning with the release pattern of the Korean seasons.
Meanwhile, the original Korean Squid Game has no additional seasons officially planned at this time.
A New Chapter for the Global Phenomenon
As one of Netflix’s biggest cultural phenomena, the expansion of the Squid Game universe marks a major push in global franchise-building. With David Fincher’s signature filmmaking and Hwang Dong Hyuk’s visionary world-building, Squid Game: America may become one of the most anticipated international series of the decade.
