Netflix has announced intentions to produce a real-life “Squid Game” reality TV show, and it’s looking for English-speaking contestants to compete for a multi-million dollar reward.
It will not, however, be a life or death situation, as shown in the South Korean drama. Instead, 456 candidates from all over the world will compete in games in which “the worst fate is walking home empty-handed” — missing out on a prize pool of $4.56 million (£3.8 million).
The series will involve games based on the original drama, and players will be put to the test by establishing strategies and alliances, according to Netflix.
Netflix also confirmed that the popular series would be renewed for a second season earlier this week.
What they are saying
“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,” Netflix’s vice president of unscripted and documentary series, Brandon Riegg, said in a statement announcing the show.
“As players participate in a variety of games inspired by the original program – plus some surprising new additions – their plans, alliances, and character will be tested as competitors are eliminated around them,” he explained.
What you should know
- Squid Game, the South Korean thriller series tells the story of debt-ridden people competing for a huge cash prize in a deadly series of children’s games.
- It holds the record as Netflix’s most popular series of all time, and it was streamed by 111 million users in its first 28 days of its launch.
- Director, writer and executive producer of Squid Game Hwang Dong-hyuk said in a statement on Monday: “It took 12 years to bring the first season of Squid Game to life last year. But it took 12 days for Squid Game to become the most popular Netflix series ever.”
- Netflix faces intense competition from streaming rivals, but was also hit after it raised prices and left Russia.
- In April, it revealed a sharp drop in subscribers and warned millions more are set to quit the streaming service.