David Fincher’s American Squid Game Begins Filming in LA — And It’s Bigger Than We Expected
It’s finally official—Squid Game is coming to America, and it’s not just a remake. It’s a spin-off with its own story, its own atmosphere, and one of the most iconic directors of our time leading the way. David Fincher, the mastermind behind psychological thrillers like Fight Club and Gone Girl, is set to direct the U.S. version of the global Netflix phenomenon, and filming begins this December in Los Angeles. The hype is real—and for good reason.
This isn’t just about another adaptation. It’s about reimagining Squid Game for a culture that’s different, louder, more chaotic in some ways—and equally desperate in others. After the Korean original wrapped up its explosive third season, Netflix slid in a brief, blink-and-you-miss-it cameo of Cate Blanchett in a dark alleyway in LA, flipping a ddakji tile just like the mysterious recruiter in Season 1. At first, people thought it was a fun Easter egg. But now, it turns out it was a full-on setup for the next chapter.
And what a chapter it’s shaping up to be. With Fincher at the helm and production starting in a few months, Squid Game America is poised to deliver something haunting, fresh, and incredibly intense. The games may stay deadly, but the rules, the settings, and the players? All-American. And knowing Fincher, he’ll lean into the eerie, the psychological, and the morally twisted like no one else can.
Los Angeles is the perfect setting for this kind of story. In Korea, Squid Game felt rooted in economic struggle, personal debt, and survival. In America, especially in LA, it might look more like a game of fame, influence, and illusion. It’s not just about money—it’s about relevance. It’s about what people are willing to do to be seen, to be heard, to matter. And that might be even scarier.
Fans have been speculating wildly about what the U.S. version will include. Will they use classic childhood games like tag, Red Rover, or even musical chairs? Will the contestants be average working-class people, or failed influencers, washed-up celebrities, or everyday dreamers chasing something that’s always out of reach? Nobody knows for sure—but that mystery is part of the magic. With someone like Fincher involved, it’s safe to assume it won’t just be shocking—it’ll be deeply psychological.
What makes this project even more exciting is the fact that it isn’t just riding on the success of the original—it’s expanding the universe. This isn’t a reboot. It’s a different game in a different part of the world, following the same haunting concept but through a very different cultural lens. Cate Blanchett’s involvement is still mostly under wraps, but some insiders suggest she may play a recurring character, perhaps even a recruiter or organizer tied to the mysterious game structure. That alone adds a layer of prestige and curiosity to the whole production.
There’s also talk that the story won’t just stay in LA. Some scenes may touch on other parts of America, giving the audience a broader look at how desperation and survival play out across a fractured nation. Think Midwest factories, Southern towns, coastal elites—each with their own reasons to step into the game. The possibilities are endless.
Netflix seems to be betting big on this expansion. And honestly, who can blame them? Squid Game isn’t just a show—it’s a cultural moment. It broke streaming records, spawned memes, merch, Halloween costumes, and think pieces. It became a symbol of modern inequality and how far people will go when they feel like they’ve run out of options. Bringing that premise to America is bold. But with Fincher leading, it might also be genius.
The original Korean series was praised for its ability to balance violence, emotion, and social commentary without ever feeling forced. Fincher has a similar talent. He doesn’t spoon-feed messages—he lets them seep into the story naturally. That’s exactly the kind of tone this project needs. No over-the-top action for the sake of shock. No empty moralizing. Just good, brutal storytelling.
As filming gears up, expect casting announcements, teaser posters, and maybe even a viral marketing campaign to drop over the next few months. Netflix knows how to build anticipation, and this project is their next big flagship. If they play it right, Squid Game America could be just as culturally seismic as the original. Maybe even more.
What’s clear right now is that we’re watching the birth of a new chapter in a franchise that refuses to slow down. From Seoul to LA, the game continues. But the players are new, the backdrop is different, and the stakes feel even more real this time. It’s not just about winning. It’s about surviving in a world that already feels like a game with no rules.
So buckle up. Because this winter, David Fincher is going to show us what Squid Game looks like when it’s played in the land of dreams—and nightmares.
