Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk responds to the rumors of David Fincher remaking his hit Netflix show. Squid Game revolves around a mysterious game in which 456 players, all in financial difficulty, risk their lives in a series of increasingly disturbing games, for the chance to win a prize pot of ₩45.6 billion. The series received critical acclaim and became a cultural phenomenon, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series, and scooping two Primetime Emmy Awards. Squid Gameseason 2 is set to release on Netflix on December 26, 2024.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Dong-hyuk spoke about the rumors of Fincher developing an American remake of his hit show. He stated that he has not heard anything concrete that would suggest there is definitive interest in remaking Squid Game as a US show, but continues that he is a fan of Fincher. The creator respects his work and would welcome a remake if Fincher were involved. Read his full comments below:
“I’ve also read news about David Fincher taking on a spin-off of Squid Game, and it isn’t something that’s been shared with me officially, so it’s tricky to comment. But having said that, as a big fan of David Fincher, you know, I hugely respect a lot of his work. If he actually were to do the spin-off of Squid Game, I personally, as a fan, I am very excited to see what happens. You know, I can’t wait to see what he has in store.”
What This Means For The Future Of Squid Game
The Franchise Could Continue With An American Reboot
Squid Game season 2’s storylines will be followed by a third and final season in 2025 that will look to wrap up the story, and there are no indicators that Dong-hyuk would seek to expand the show beyond this. However, this presents a unique opportunity for an American remake of the show to fill the gap for audiences seeking more of a Squid Game fix and would allow for the chance to repurpose an already successful franchise. Fincher’s involvement, should it materialize, would be a huge plus for the show, and he would bring experience, creativity, and grit to the franchise.
Related
All Squid Game Games In Order: Origins & Meaning Explained
Squid Game centers around a series of innocent childhood games turned dark. Here’s the origin of each game in order, and their deeper meanings.
It would not be Fincher’s first foray into television, with the Gone Girl director having directed episodes of House of Cards and Mindhunter in the past, but this would represent a unique challenge for the filmmaker. Nothing is concrete at this stage, and a lot will depend on whether there is scope for an American remake of the show and how Dong-hyuk chooses to conclude Squid Game season 3. However, with Netflix keen to push its original content, Squid Game is a valuable franchise that could expand beyond 2025.
Our Verdict On Whether A U.S. Version Of Squid Game Would Work
Korean Culture Is Ingrained In The Show, But Its Anticapitalist Message Is Universal
Dong-hyuk based the idea for Squid Game on his own economic struggles and the class disparity that is rife in South Korea. This is a core pillar of what makes the show so captivating and compelling, but this also anchors it in Eastern culture. While there is a class disparity in the U.S., it is not as prominent, and this may not allow the show thematically to translate as well for American audiences. However, an area where I believe the anticapitalist message is a universal one, and this is one of the areas where Squid Game could work as a U.S. remake.
Lead actor Lee Jung-jae became the first Asian actor to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for a non-English part.
Source: GamesRadar+