{
  "id": 453676,
  "title": "Netflix drops US 'Squid Game' spinoff 'Heckler'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/netflix-drops-us-squid-game-spinoff-heckler-453676",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T09:27:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20260810/netflix-drops-us-squid-game-spinoff-heckler"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netflix has reportedly halted production on its American spinoff of the global hit series Squid Game. The cancelled project, tentatively titled Heckler, was set to be directed by Hollywood auteur David Fincher and written by British TV creator Dennis Kelly. Despite initial plans to adapt the popular Korean drama for U.S. audiences, Netflix appears to have shifted its focus following internal leadership changes and prolonged development delays. Fincher, known for masterpieces such as Se7en and Fight Club, had already moved on to other ventures, including the film The Adventures of Cliff Booth. As a result, Netflix seems to be prioritizing the adaptation of more regionally tailored versions instead.",
  "summary": "Netflix reportedly halted production on the American version of its hit drama series \"Squid Game,\" which originated in Korea and became a global phenomenon. U.S. entertainment outlets, including The Playlist, said Netflix scrapped plans to produce \"Heckler\" (working title), an American spinoff project of \"Squid Game\" that it had pursued for years. Hollywood director David Fincher, who helmed…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Netflix drops US 'Squid Game' spinoff 'Heckler'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/netflix-drops-us-squid-game-spinoff-heckler",
        "published": "2026-08-10T09:17:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}