Last October, reports surfaced suggesting that David Fincher might return to Netflix to develop an English-language spin-off of the wildly popular series Squid Game. However, Netflix has not officially confirmed the project, and the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, told Hollywood Reporter that he has not been involved or informed:
I’ve only read it in articles myself as well.
Despite this, the surprising cameo in season three appears to hint at a possible U.S. version of the series. With no new Korean Squid Game seasons planned, Netflix seems to be exploring adaptations to sustain the franchise, potentially putting Fincher at the helm or passing the project to others eager to keep the games alive.
Why a Fincher Adaptation of ‘Nine Puzzles’ Could Be More Impactful than Another ‘Squid Game’ Version
Although Fincher’s involvement with a Squid Game adaptation would certainly attract viewers, there are compelling reasons to hope he chooses a different Korean series to adapt. Squid Game has already achieved massive popularity in the United States despite being a Korean-language show, leaving limited room to expand its audience through an English remake. Meanwhile, many Korean dramas deserve wider recognition in American markets, and Hulu’s Nine Puzzles is a prime candidate. This mystery thriller has flown under the radar domestically while building significant momentum globally, making it a fresh opportunity for Fincher’s storytelling strengths.
‘Nine Puzzles’: Hulu’s Rising Korean Mystery Thriller
According to Hollywood Reporter, Nine Puzzles
has become the platform’s most-watched title across the Asia-Pacific region since its May launch and the top Korean original globally in 2025.
Despite its growing international audience, the series has not yet gained widespread attention in the U.S. Available on Hulu, it follows the story of a criminal profiler and a detective pursuing a serial killer who leaves cryptic puzzle pieces at each crime scene. This chilling premise fits naturally into Fincher’s dark, complex style.
Plot and Characters: A Unique Twist on the Serial Killer Genre
What distinguishes Nine Puzzles is its layered mystery: the victims all share a hidden connection tied to a decade-old crime cover-up. The series centers on Yoon E-na (played by Kim Da-mi of Itaewon Class), a spirited young profiler, and Detective Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku) as they work together to unravel the case. E-na’s personal history complicates matters since she was once the prime suspect in her uncle’s murder, the original crime linked to the puzzle pieces. After each subsequent killing, E-na mysteriously receives a new piece in the mail. Han-saem, who led the investigation into the uncle’s death, struggles with whether he can trust E-na. Adding further depth, E-na suffers from memory loss and consults a psychologist (Park Gyuyoung, known for her role as No-eul in Squid Game) to recover suppressed memories and determine her potential involvement.
The Fresh Dynamic Between the Leads and the Series’ Tone
Unlike many grim murder mysteries, Nine Puzzles offers moments of levity and witty character interactions. E-na’s confident flair shines through as she impresses her colleagues with sharp analyses and stylish crime scene arrivals, despite facing ongoing skepticism. Han-saem appears more serious but reveals a surprising enthusiasm for classic murder mysteries, especially Agatha Christie novels. Their partnership remains purely professional, avoiding romance but highlighting strong camaraderie. The supporting cast adds intrigue, with characters whose motives are frequently ambiguous—heroes reveal flaws, while villains sometimes harbor honorable intentions. The show maintains a mix of case-of-the-week storylines alongside the larger mystery thread, with some cases cleverly subverting expectations on their connection to the main puzzle.
Underlying Themes and Social Commentary Within the Mystery
The motive behind the killing spree involves a deeply layered cover-up that critiques capitalism and societal corruption. This element adds a dramatic complexity reminiscent of Squid Game’s commentary but presented through a different lens. Notably, the psychological profile of the killer is less central than in typical thrillers, offering Fincher a new angle on the genre. However, some aspects of the narrative resolution can feel unclear, possibly due to translation nuances, leaving a few story threads less tightly connected than expected. Nonetheless, the core reasons behind the killer’s targets remain understandable.
Why ‘Nine Puzzles’ Deserves More Attention and Fincher’s Touch
This article doubles as an enthusiastic endorsement for Nine Puzzles, currently streaming on Hulu and recommended for fans of mystery thrillers. If the show gains a larger following, it may attract David Fincher’s interest for adaptation, harnessing his proven talent in suspenseful storytelling and crime narratives. His previous work on Se7en, Zodiac, and Mindhunter suggests he could bring a nuanced, gripping vision to the series, potentially introducing Nine Puzzles to a global audience in a way that remains fresh and captivating.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What does Tarantino think of David Fincher?
A. Quentin Tarantino on David Fincher: Fincher is a very talented director, but he isn’t in my category because he doesn’t write. Starting from a blank page is challenging every time!
