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Entertainment
Netflix Cancels David Fincher’s US ‘Squid Game’ Adaptation Despite Korean Original’s Record Success
✍️ MensXP
🗓 07 Aug 2026, 05:37 PM
👁 6
Netflix has announced the cancellation of the planned U.S. adaptation of ‘Squid Game’ that was to be directed by David Fincher, citing reasons not disclosed. The move comes after the Korean original series broke viewership records worldwide.
Netflix officially announced that it has cancelled the U.S. adaptation of the hit Korean series ‘Squid Game’, which was slated to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher. The decision was made without a detailed public explanation, leaving fans and industry observers to speculate on the reasons behind the move.
The original Korean drama, produced by Studio Dragon and released on Netflix in 2021, shattered viewership records by drawing more than 111 million viewers in its first 28 days. Its global popularity prompted several international adaptations, including a planned U.S. version that was expected to bring a new cultural lens to the story.
Fincher’s involvement had generated significant anticipation, as the director is known for high‑budget, critically acclaimed projects such as ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘The Social Network’. The U.S. adaptation was projected to feature a star‑studded cast and a fresh take on the original narrative.
In a brief statement, Netflix said it was “making a strategic decision” regarding the project and would focus on other content initiatives. The company did not provide further details on the cancellation or potential future plans for the franchise in the United States.
The original Korean drama, produced by Studio Dragon and released on Netflix in 2021, shattered viewership records by drawing more than 111 million viewers in its first 28 days. Its global popularity prompted several international adaptations, including a planned U.S. version that was expected to bring a new cultural lens to the story.
Fincher’s involvement had generated significant anticipation, as the director is known for high‑budget, critically acclaimed projects such as ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘The Social Network’. The U.S. adaptation was projected to feature a star‑studded cast and a fresh take on the original narrative.
In a brief statement, Netflix said it was “making a strategic decision” regarding the project and would focus on other content initiatives. The company did not provide further details on the cancellation or potential future plans for the franchise in the United States.