Will There Be an American Version of ‘Squid Game’?

The third and final season of Netflix‘s Squid Game dropped today, finally revealing the fates of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), and the games themselves. While Squid Game Season 3 definitely feels like a series finale, the final moments of the show also tease more versions of Squid Game yet to come.

Squid Game Season 3 ends with a celebrity cameo that is so huge, it’s impossible not to think it’s meant to set up a spin-off set in the good ole USA. So will there be an American version of Squid Game? And if so, what do we know about it so far?

**Spoilers for Squid Game Season 3, now streaming on Netflix**

Ever since Squid Game became a massive hit for Netflix in 2021, there have been rumblings that the streamer might want to launch international spin-offs of the franchise. The most alluring of these would undoubtedly be an English-language one set in America. So when Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett shows up as a Los Angeles-based recruiter for the games in Squid Game Season 3 Episode 6 “Humans Are…”, it certainly does feel like Netflix is low key confirming a Squid Game USA.

However, could it be that this really is the end of Squid Game? Is Blanchett’s cameo just be a bit of fun? Is David Fincher still attached to the American Squid Game show at Netflix? Will there be an American version of Squid Game hitting our screeners sooner than we might think?

Here’s everything we know about the rumored Squid Game show set in the United States…

Will There Be an American Version of Squid Game?

Maybe? Probably? The thing is there have been rumors that Netflix is developing an American version of Squid Game for years, but there’s been little official reporting. Deadline is one of the few outlets to have been able to firm up the information — last year — that David Fincher is developing the project, which is supposedly being written by Dennis Kelly. Netflix offered no comment to the report.

Since then, Fincher has been attached to Netflix’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel, so it’s unclear if he’s still attached to the Squid Game project. Rumors began circulating today that production on “Squid Game: America” will begin in December 2025, so depending on his shooting schedule, Fincher might still be free to direct the pilot.

Squid Game creator/writer/director Hwang Dong-hyuk has not been shy when asked about potential spin-offs. He recently told Entertainment Weekly that he’s noodling on one set between Seasons 1 and 2. “I’m not trying to say that I’m going to close the door to spinoffs or sequels altogether because they say never say never,” he said.

Cate Blanchett’s appearance in the Squid Game Season 3 finale seems to set up an American version of the show, but it’s unknown if the actress is officially signed on for such a project or if her Squid Game scene was a one-time gig.

Who is Cate Blanchett Playing in Squid Game Season 3?

Cate Blanchett isn’t given a name in the Squid Game Season 3 finale credits; they only acknowledge her turn as a “special appearance.” However, she is definitely playing an American Recruiter. That is, she’s the American version of Gong Yoo’s slippery ddakji player from Squid Game Seasons 1 and 2.

Squid Game creator, writer, and director Hwang Dong-hyuk told Netflix’s internal news site Tudum: “We thought having a woman as a recruiter would be more dramatic and intriguing. And as for why Cate Blanchett, she’s just the best, with unmatched charisma. Who doesn’t love her? So we were very happy to have her appear.”

“If Gong Yoo is the Korean Recruiter, I thought she would be the perfect fit as the American Recruiter,” he added, “bringing a short but gripping and impactful ending to the story.” 

So maybe Cate Blanchett has nothing to do with an American Squid Game spin-off, but if that’s the case, that kind of sucks. She’s absolutely perfect for the part!