Squid Game is the biggest hit ever on Netflix, and now the streaming platform wants to capitalize on its success as much as possible. Along with future series and spinoffs of the South Korean offering, there are now rumors that an American version could be in the works.
This would most likely be a shrewd business move by Netflix, as it helps the franchise reach an even greater number of people. The original streaming service is still arguably much better than its rivals when it comes to milking a series for all it’s worth.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/oqxAJKy0ii4?si=vSAqP2Mg3CZe4ZNM” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Squid Game Phenomenon Has Been Incredible
The numbers behind Squid Game’s success are remarkable, and it’s now Netflix’s most-watched series in 94 countries. In the first 28 days of its release, it amassed 1.65 billion viewing hours, and beat records set by other Netflix powerhouses like Bridgerton. Part of the show’s success was thanks to the hype train that ensued, with social media helping it to spread.
The series was originally intended to act as a standalone offering. Due to its premise, it made the possibility of a follow-up season difficult. However, because of its unprecedented popularity, Hwang Dong-hyuk has been inspired to write two more seasons that continue the story of Seong Gi-hun.
Squid Game has already inspired some related works, such as Squid Game: The Challenge. This is a reality competition on Netflix that includes real people participating in many of the same games from the series. The good news is that in this version, they aren’t killed if they lose.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ww9HCin8ORs?si=5Ju1wiF3WkWwbBCC” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
The Korean series has also been represented in the iGaming market, with the online casino NJ real money slot, Squid Game: One Lucky Day, among the top new games. The fact that it’s so big in the New Jersey market highlights Squid Game’s immense success in the USA. Players will find it listed among various other slots, and it stands out due to the use of the distinctive logo from the Netflix offering.
David Fincher Reportedly Interested in Directing Series
With the Korean version only set for one more season in 2025, the best way to keep Squid Game going could be to release an American version. This may allow Netflix to continue the franchise indefinitely and bring some new ideas to the table that could help with its expansion.
According to recent reports, David Fincher is interested in making a new version of Squid Game. The Fight Club director has worked on various titles for Netflix in the past, and his name would help a new Squid Game offering get off to a great start. The dark themes of the series are perfectly suited to Fincher’s style, and he could bring some fresh ideas to the table to improve on what’s come before.
An American version of Squid Game makes perfect sense from a business perspective for Netflix. Because the original series doesn’t have much scope for more future seasons, this would be the best way to ensure that the franchise keeps getting bigger and better.