The dystopian global phenomenon ‘ Squid Game ‘ is officially expanding its deadly universe, with a highly anticipated American spin-off, tentatively titled ‘Squid Game: America,’ moving swiftly toward production.
According to multiple American media reports, the series is now scheduled to commence filming in February 2026 in Los Angeles.
This move confirms the rumors that have circulated since the massive success of the original Korean series and signifies Netflix’s major commitment to evolving the franchise’s dark, compelling narrative on a global scale.
A-List Talent Confirmed for the Production Team
The creative team behind the American spin-off is a powerhouse collaboration of acclaimed Hollywood and Korean talent.
The project is set to be helmed by renowned director David Fincher, known for his mastery of dark, psychological thrillers like Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Fincher’s involvement lends significant artistic weight to the spin-off. Furthermore, the original creator, Hwang Dong Hyuk, will remain involved as a producer, alongside Dennis Kelly (known for Utopia) who is listed as the screenwriter.
This blending of the original vision with top-tier Western talent aims to ensure the spin-off retains the brutal social commentary of the original while grounding it in an American context.
Production Details and Projected Release
The confirmation of the project was established through an official listing on the Film and Television Industry Alliance (FTIA) website. This listing specified that production for Squid Game: America is slated to begin on February 26, 2026, in Los Angeles.
The filming schedule provides a tentative timeline for fans eager to see the show. If shooting begins in early 2026, industry projections suggest that the series itself will be released some time in 2028, possibly around the Christmas season, though an official release date has yet to be announced by Netflix.
Squid Game (Credit: YouTube)
Cate Blanchett’s Role Connects the Universes
A major detail that links the spin-off directly to the original franchise is the involvement of Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett.
The listing names Blanchett as a cast member. She previously made a surprise cameo in the final moments of ‘Squid Game’ season 3 as the mysterious American Recruiter, setting up the possibility of the Games expanding internationally.
The spin-off is not a remake but is set within the same universe, allowing viewers to “see how the games are handled in America.”
Blanchett’s character, who was seen playing the game of ddakji in a Los Angeles alleyway, will likely play a central role in connecting the American narrative to the established lore of the deadly games.
A Story of American Desperation
Unlike the non-scripted reality competition, Squid Game: The Challenge , this spin-off will be a scripted series exploring new characters and storylines.
The setting change is intended to allow the creators to examine themes of financial hardship and desperation through a uniquely American social and cultural lens.
By shifting the perspective, the spin-off promises a fresh take while retaining the core elements of suspense, anti-capitalist satire, and brutal game play that made the original South Korean series an unexpected global phenomenon.
While the level of involvement from the original stars, like Lee Byung Hun (The Front Man), remains to be seen, the upcoming series represents Netflix’s biggest bet yet on extending the cultural dominance of the Squid Game IP.
Netflix Remains Silent
Despite the official production listings and widespread reporting across American media outlets like Radio Times, Netflix has yet to release any official statement or confirmation regarding the project, including the casting or the 2028 projected release window.
The project’s forward momentum, however, appears undeniable, marking a thrilling new chapter for the franchise’s expansion into Hollywood.
A corporation co-founded and invested in by BTS member Jin and prominent CEO Baek Jong Won has become the subject of a legal investigation, creating significant buzz among fans and the public.
The agricultural corporation, identified as Baeksuldolga (formerly Yesandonga), along with one of its associates, has been officially referred to prosecution for allegedly violating South Korea’s strict Country of Origin Labeling Act.
This development raises serious questions about corporate responsibility, especially when linked to globally influential figures.
The Core Allegation: Imported Concentrates Misrepresented
The investigation was initiated by the Yesan Office of the Chungnam Branch of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service.
The agency confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Hongseong Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutor’s Office.
BTS Jin (Credit: YouTube)
The investigation centers on the company’s popular IGIN Highball Tonic series. Specifically, the Plum and Watermelon products sold online were consistently labeled as being domestically produced.
However, the investigation found that the products utilized imported concentrates—sourced from Chile and the U.S.—a violation of the Country of Origin Labeling Act.
Joint Investment and Corporate Responsibility
The two implicated corporations, Baeksuldoga and its associate, share the same CEO, and the article explicitly states that Jin and Baek Jong Won jointly invested in the establishment.
This joint investment structure places a heavy burden of responsibility on both individuals. An accuser stated in the complaint that “Jin, as an artist with global influence, must accept a heavy moral responsibility, regardless of legal liability, for the alleged violation” by the corporation in which he participated.
This statement emphasizes the expectation that celebrities associated with any business venture should uphold a higher ethical standard.
Legal Standards for Domestic Labeling
The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation provided clarity on the precise legal standard that Baeksuldoga is alleged to have breached.
According to the Federation, agricultural corporations selling products online are only permitted to label an item as “domestically produced” if all raw materials—with the specific exceptions of water, alcohol, sugar, and food additives—are also domestically produced.
The Federation confirmed that they conducted a thorough review to determine if the company violated the origin labeling laws, focusing on the validity of the information provided and whether it was likely to cause consumer confusion.
Shock and Discussion Among Netizens
The news immediately sparked massive reactions online. Many netizens expressed shock, as they were reportedly unaware that Jin was not just a model or endorser for the products, but an actual investor in the company.
Responses ranged from simple confusion—“So he wasn’t just a model…”—to sharp criticism of the alleged business practice:
“Label of origin is the standard…they should be doing their work properly.”
The incident has led to a broader discussion about celebrity involvement in business ventures and the necessity of rigorous compliance with consumer protection laws.
Implications for the Idol
While the article highlights that the legal process is now underway, the referral to prosecution places a potential strain on Jin’s reputation, irrespective of the final legal outcome.
The accuser’s call for him to accept a “heavy moral responsibility” underscores the scrutiny that figures with global influence face.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that investment in any commercial venture carries not just financial risk, but also significant public and ethical obligations.
