AlthoughSquid Game’sdivisive conclusion closed the curtain on Netflix’s hit series, the franchise looks like it will continue through an American spinoff, which is bound to bring massive changes. The K-drama made headlines when it first debuted, as its dark and brutal concept hooked viewers, instantly cementing the show as one of Netflix’s most prestigious projects.
Its reputation only continued to grow, with season 2 taking the story in a slightly different direction, setting upSquid Gameseason 3’s bleak ending.While some viewers were left unsatisfied with how things wrapped up, Gi-hun’s journey did at least come to a definitive close; however, the twisted competition could still return through the rumored spinoff set in America.
The series is still unconfirmed at the moment, but considering the IP has already branched out into games and reality shows, it would be more surprising ifSquid Gamedidn’t return. As a result, people have already started pitching sometheories aboutSquid Game’s American spinoff, and the new setting looks destined to be wildly different compared to the original.
8Squid Game’s American Spinoff Won’t Be From Hwang Dong-hyuk
David Fincher Will Inevitably Bring A Unique Atmosphere To Squid Game
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s creative vision allowedSquid Gameto be brought to life after numerous rejections, but he is unlikely to be involved in the American spinoff. While Dong-hyuk will presumably still have some input to ensure the lore and characters fit within his universe, it’s David Fincher who looks like he will take charge of the US version.
The Oscar-winning director was a surprising name to be associated with such a project, but his track record suggests he’d be a great choice, as he is capable of maintaining the franchise’s gritty tone while adding new ideas.Without Dong-hyuk, there is no doubtSquid Game’s American spinoff will feel strange, but this may be exactly what it needs.
As exciting as the initial premise was, the K-drama was long overdue a bit of a refresh, andCate Blanchett’sSquid Gameseason 3 cameoalready hinted at the story going in a new direction, with Fincher being a safe bet to take this popular IP to the next level.
7The American Setting Will Introduce Completely Different Characters & Personalities
A New Challenger Will Take Center Stage & Replace Gi-hun
Having followed Gi-hun for three seasons,Squid Gamefeatured a variety of characters that both challenged and encouraged his outlook on life, but America’s contestants are bound to have completely different personalities. The protagonist will presumably have a distinct background and motivation to keep things fresh, while those involved in the games should also be unique.
It’ll be a huge challenge trying to surpass some ofSquid Game’s best characters, but the American cast has a strong opportunity to stand out.Seeing a morally gray lead competing with the sole intention of winning would put a new spin on things, and we may even discover that those in charge of the competition have entirely different beliefs from In-ho.
6The Challenges Will Be Based On American Games, Not Korean Ones
Things Like Dodgeball, The Floor Is Lava & Simon Says Could Feature Instead
Perhaps the most notable change between the AmericanSquid Gameand the original will be the games themselves.Seeing classic Korean children’s games being turned into a battle of life and death is what made the series so compelling, but with the spinoff, it will be American pastimes that take center stage, providing a whole new dynamic.
Seeing theAmericanSquid Gamefeature children’s gamessuch as Dodgeball, Simon Says, The Floor is Lava, and Hopscotch runs the risk of making these challenges feel more physical than tactical, but there are still plenty of ways these activities could test the challengers' intellect and strategy.
Regardless, we probably won’t be seeing the unsettling dolls and obscure tests that have become so iconic in the next project, but these American games still leave room for heartbreaking twists and brutal betrayals.
5Squid Game’s VIPs Will Bring A Completely Different Vibe In The Spinoff
The Rich Spectators Could Potentially Have A Connection To Someone Within The Game
The reveal of the VIPs in season 1 really spiced up the series and hammered home how dystopianSquid Game’s concept was, not that audiences needed the reminder. However, they had less of an impact as the series went on, and their presence in the American project is sure to bring a unique tone that could lead to some fascinating storylines.
In the original version, the VIPs came from abroad, most of who appeared to be from America. This meant that the competition’s reach extended beyond just Korea and had rich aristocrats speaking a different language while watching for their own amusement. Interestingly, it seems like their role could drastically change in the spinoff show.
Having a VIP directly invested in a player’s survival outside of monetary gain could paint these characters in a different light and make them more involved.
Assuming these VIPs are still American, it will provide a slightly different feel seeing them spectate people from their own country, and it’s not out of the question that one of them recognizes a contestant. Therefore, having a VIP directly invested in a player’s survival outside of monetary gain could paint these characters in a different light and make them more involved.
4The Games May Be Set In An Entirely Different Location
The Spinoff May Ditch The Secluded Island Setting For Something New
A private island was the perfect setting for the games, which makes it understandable that almost no one discovered what was really going on. The sounds of gunshots and screams weren’t picked up from such a secluded location, but the American adaptation may decide to do something different by having the competition hidden in plain sight.
Most of Jun-ho’s arc revolved around attempting to locate the games, making his finalconfrontation with his brother inSquid Gameseason 3feel disappointing, something the American spinoff won’t want to repeat. Therefore, having the competition take place in a public building or an innocent-looking private estate would better suit America’s geographical setting while making the games' existence more sinister.
3Squid Game’s American Story Will Feel Less Personal
While the AmericanSquid Gameshow will undoubtedly have high stakes and a lot of tension, it’s hard to imagine it being quite as personal as the original.Gi-hun’s reasoning for joining the games initially may not have been out of the ordinary, but his second run felt deeply personal,given his history with the competition and the Front Man.
Additionally, In-ho and Jun-ho’s connection put the brothers on opposite sides, something the American version surely can’t repeat. TheSquid Gamespinoff can still have great plot twistsand gripping drama without there being so many intimate feuds, and embracing a more impersonal feel could actually help sell how cruel and needless the competition’s barbaric premise really is.
2New Side Stories Will Introduce Other Themes Besides Stopping The Games
We Could See Narratives Involving The Family Of A Contestant Or Even A Political Aspect Of The Competition
Alongside the players inside the games,Squid Gamefocused on external storylines, such as Jun-ho’s attempt to find the island, as well as a brief plot involving the Salesman and Kyung-seok’s gang. Even Guard 11’s story felt somewhat separate and unique, despite still being involved in the competition, but the American setting will open up brand-new possibilities.
In addition to the VIP twist mentioned earlier,the spinoff could focus extensively on a family member of a competitor, adding a more emotional touch from the perspective of someone who has no idea what is going on. Likewise, the show could even lean into political elements by revealing that world leaders are aware of the games and keep their existence a secret.
Overall, the fresh environment and culture make it all but guaranteed that these side plots will be original, which should help the rumored project forge its own identity away from the main series.
1The American Squid Game Spinoff May Introduce New Rules To The Games
Things Like The Voting System & Eliminations May Work Differently
Perhaps the biggest difference between the originalSquid Gameshow and the American spinoff is how the competition works. While we have become familiar with these twisted rules and extreme consequences,it’s possible that the new project will make big changes to things like the voting system, as well as how players are actually eliminated.
Rather than voting to keep the competition going, players may instead select which game they’d like to play next. Likewise, competitors could be given second chances if they were willing to take an even bigger gamble, such as wagering a family member’s life.
Squid Gameofficially concluded on July 30, 2025. All three seasons are available to stream on Netflix.
There’s also no guarantee that theAmericanSquid Game’s winners receive moneyas a prize. They could be competing for assets or even certain political/ social positions that would massively shift the feeling of the spinoff, proving just how different it could be from the main series.
