Netflix greenlights actual Squid Game reality show with US$4.5 mil cash prize

IT was just a matter of time, but Squid Game is becoming a reality.

Well… a reality show. And probably because of various troublesome legalities it won’t actually be a fight to the death. 

The Netflix-exclusive South Korean drama, which told the story of a secretive death game where 456 desperate contestants competed to be the last one standing to earn 45.6 billion won (around RM160 million), was an international sensation, breaking all sorts of barriers and earning awards recognition.

So while there have been copycat games in some countries, Netflix has finally decided to come out with ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ a reality competition series based on the show.

The official website where interested potential contestants, SquidGameCasting.com, says: “With the largest cast in reality TV history, 456 real players will enter the game in pursuit of a life-changing cash prize of US$4.56 million (RM20.15 million).”

It also makes it clear that the stakes are a little lower than what’s on the show: “The stakes are high, but in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed.”

The sign-up page further stresses: “Please note: Win or lose, all players will leave unscathed. But if you win, you win big!”

Some of the requirements include being at least 21 years of age, having a valid passport, and being available for up to four weeks at some point in early 2023 when the show is likely to film. 

Competitors will go against each other in games inspired by the show, as well as new additions – obviously constructed in ways that are less deadly. 

However, like the show, alliances between contestants and coming up with strategies will be a vital part in winning. Of course, these tropes have been part of reality shows like Survivor since the beginning. 

Recruitment for the series is currently open to English-language speakers from around the world, with options for US, UK and global castings.

“Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang’s captivating story and iconic imagery. We’re grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of unscripted and documentary Series. 

“Fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real world contestants navigate the biggest competition series ever, full of tension and twists, with the biggest ever cash prize at the end.” – The Vibes, June 15, 2022