[Edaily Reporter Ryu junha ] Reports from foreign media that production of the U.S. version of Netflix’s hit original series “Squid Game” has been suspended are drawing attention.

According to U.S. entertainment media outlets such as The Playlist and Gizmodo on the 8th (local time), Netflix has decided to discontinue production of “The Heckler” (working title), an American spin-off of “Squid Game.”

“Heckler” was set to be directed by David Fincher, known for “Fight Club,” “Zodiac,” and “Gone Girl,” with Dennis Kelly of the “Utopia” series set to write the screenplay. It was to be produced in the UK, and there had been speculation that filming would take place this year.

Following executive shakeups and years of development, Netflix is reportedly shifting its priorities for its online video service (OTT), focusing more on versions tailored to specific national markets rather than a U.S. version. A source cited in the report explained that no production of a region-specific version of the “Squid Game” spin-off is currently underway.

This is somewhat disappointing news for fans who were looking forward to an American version. In particular, a scene in the final episode of “Squid Game 3” in which the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun) spots Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett playing “Flip the Card” in a back alley in Los Angeles (LA) had fueled speculation about the possibility of an American adaptation.

Meanwhile, “Squid Game,” a series starring Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, is considered one of Netflix’s biggest hits. It made history as the first Korean production to win an award at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards and garnered significant attention that same year by winning six Emmy Awards, the most prestigious awards in the U.S. television industry.