Netflix cancels U.S. 'Squid Game' spin-off 'Hexler'

Netflix has reportedly halted production on a U.S. spin-off of its hit series "Squid Game," a project that was tentatively titled "Hexler." The series was set to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher, with Dennis Kelly, the writer behind the British drama "Utopia," penning the script. While initially conceived as an American version of "Squid Game," production was expected to take place in the UK.

Fincher and Kelly had a previous collaboration that fell through due to budget issues. Fincher had been slated to direct an HBO adaptation of Kelly's "Utopia" starring Rooney Mara, but the project was canceled. Kelly was then directly commissioned by Fincher for the "Hexler" script. The potential for a U.S. spin-off was fueled by a scene in "Squid Game 3" where the Front Man spots Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett playing "ddakji" in a Los Angeles alley. However, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk denied any direct connection between the scene and the spin-off, though Blanchett had expressed openness to returning to the franchise.

Sources cited Netflix's shifting priorities and executive changes over several years as the primary reasons for the project's cancellation. Fincher's involvement in other film projects also contributed to the loss of momentum. Netflix appears to be focusing more on localized versions of its content for various markets rather than expanding its English-language offerings in the U.S. The company did not respond to requests for comment regarding the "Hexler" project or potential regional versions of "Squid Game."

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