Is There Going to Be a Squid Game in the USA? Everything We Know So Far

With the explosive finale of Squid Game Season 3, fans are left reeling — not just from the emotional gut punch of Gi-hun’s sacrifice, but from a tantalizing final scene that hints at a new chapter: Squid Game: America.

The Ending That Sparked the Rumors

In the final moments of Season 3, the enigmatic Front Man is seen in Los Angeles. As he drives through a dim alley, he spots a familiar sight — the Ddakji game, once used to recruit players in Korea. But this time, the recruiter is a sharply dressed woman. She turns, and it’s none other than Cate Blanchett, delivering a silent but chilling cameo that has ignited speculation across the internet.

What We Know About the Spin-Off

While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed the project, multiple sources report that a U.S.-based spin-off is in development under the working title Squid Game: America. The series will not be a remake but a narrative continuation set in the same universe.

Director: David Fincher (Fight Club, Mindhunter) is reportedly attached to direct, bringing his signature psychological intensity to the franchise.

Writer: Dennis Kelly, known for the British cult thriller Utopia, is penning the script, promising a dark, socially charged narrative.

Setting: The story will unfold in Los Angeles, exploring how the twisted games adapt to a new cultural and socioeconomic landscape.

Production Timeline: Filming is rumored to begin in December 2025, with a potential release in late 2026.

Cate Blanchett’s Role: More Than a Cameo?

Blanchett’s appearance as the American recruiter isn’t just a star-powered Easter egg — it’s a narrative handoff. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed the casting was intentional, calling her “the perfect fit” to mirror Gong Yoo’s Korean recruiter from Season 1. Whether she’ll return in the spin-off remains unconfirmed, but her presence has already reshaped the franchise’s trajectory.

Why an American Spin-Off Makes Sense

The original Squid Game was a searing critique of capitalism, inequality, and desperation — themes that resonate globally. By shifting the setting to the U.S., the spin-off can explore these issues through a new lens: student debt, healthcare disparity, systemic racism, and the American dream turned nightmare.

Conclusion

The games may be over in Korea, but the system lives on — mutated, globalized, and more insidious than ever. Squid Game: America promises to be more than a sequel; it’s a cultural mirror, reflecting the darkest corners of modern society.