David Fincher Developing ‘Squid Game’ English-Language Series

The director, who has long had a deal with the streaming service, is apparently choosing to focus on a new take on the dark, popular Korean thriller series.

(Left) David Fincher on the set of 'Mank'. Photo: Gisele Schmidt/Netflix. (Right) Netflix's 'Squid Game'. Photo: Netflix.

Preview:

David Fincher is reportedly developing an English-language ‘Squid Game’ series.
It would adapt Hwang Dong-hyuk’s wildly successful thriller series.
Season 2 of the Korean version lands in December.

Following the release of his most recent movie, Netflix release ‘The Killer,’ there has been plenty of speculation about what David Fincher –– he of ‘Se7en,’ ‘Fight Club’ and other classics –– might do next.

Sadly for fans of the much-missed serial killer/FBI thriller series ‘Mindhunter,’ it appears that’s still not on the table.

Most recently, word began to percolate that the filmmaker would be turning his attention to Western pic ‘Bitterroot,’ but a new report from Deadline suggests that he’s now devoting more energy to a long-rumored US version of hugely successful Korean thriller series ‘Squid Game.’

Talk of the ‘Squid Game’ adaptation cropped up again during those ‘Bitterroot’ reports at the time, it appeared that Netflix was still trying to hammer out details such as the budget. Despite its (relatively) limited locations, the series would still be quite something to mount.

Why would David Fincher want to adapt ‘Squid Game’?

David Fincher on the set of 'Mank'. Photo: Gisele Schmidt/Netflix.

Though Fincher is more normally found adapting from other media (such as novels) or generating his own original work, the dark themes and plot turns of ‘Squid Game’ are certainly something he could do well.

After all, this is the director who brought us the twisty, deadly challenges of Michael Douglas movie ‘The Game’ and the corporate/societal satire of ‘Fight Club,’ so we’ll have to wait and see if this one turns from rumor to reality.

And it’s all something to think about as you wait for the second season of the Korean series. Talking of…

What’s the story of ‘Squid Game’ Season 2?

A scene from 'Squid Game' season 2. Photo: Netflix.

Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport.

Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway.

But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.

Who else is in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2?

A scene from 'Squid Game' season 2. Photo: Netflix.

Lee Byung-hun returns as Front Man, the game’s leader; Wi Ha-jun, is once again Hwang Jun-ho, a detective who sneaks into the game in search of his brother; while Gong Yoo will be back as the Recruiter, who initially invited Gi-hun to play the game.

New players include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-Neul, Park Sung-hoon and Yang Dong-geun as well as Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won and Won Ji-an.