Netflix has announced the final casting call for their reality series Squid Game: The Challenge. The upcoming show is, of course, based on the wildly popular South Korean thriller series Squid Game.
Unlike the fictional show, however, the losing contestants will live to see another day, albeit empty-handed. The winner of the competition, meanwhile, will win the largest cash prize in TV history: $4.56 million.
What You Need to Know
The ten-episode competition series will film in the U.K. with cast members from all around the world. Despite the original show being shot in Korean, the reality series is seeking English-speaking contestants only.
Games on the show will draw inspiration from the original series, with new challenges added in. Filming is tentatively set for a four-week period in early 2023.
There will be a total of 456 contestants with hundreds who have already been cast. A key part of the competition will be focused on building alliances and determining who you can trust.
Basic criteria for the show includes the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be available to film over the four week period
- Possess a valid passport with the ability to travel
To apply, there are applications available for potential contestants in the U.S. or U.K.. For anyone else, there is a “Global” application. You’ll need to fill out the application form, submit photos of yourself, and a one-minute audition video that explains what your game strategy will be and what you would do with the cash prize.
To access the application forms, click on the button below!
…But Does This Miss the Point?
While to some this is all fun and games, there has been some backlash against the possibility of a “real-life” Squid Game. Many see the original show as a critique of capitalism with its portrayal of financially indebted people competing in a life-or-death competition for money while wealthy people watch.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
Let’s not forget, too, that the mega-popular YouTuber Mr. Beast beat Netflix to the punch with his real-life recreation of Squid Game in a video that now has over 288 million views.
In a backstage interview with Variety at this year’s Emmys, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the reality show spin-off. He said that he met the creator of the reality show and hopes that they will carry on his “vision and intention as much as possible.”
Hwang added, “Our show does carry quite a heavy message- and I know that there are some concerns of taking that message and creating it into a reality show with a cash prize. However I feel like when you take things too seriously, that’s really not the best way to go for the entertainment industry.”
And What About Season Two?
Netflix has given the show the official “green light” for season two. But don’t hold your breath for the release any time soon.
Series creator Hwang Dong-dyuk also confirmed that the next season of the hit show will film in 2023 and release in 2024. Another interesting tidbit he mentioned was the possibility of Leonardo DiCaprio joining the cast.
In the meantime we can expect the reality spin-off as well as a mockumentary comedy about Squid Game’s success.
Final Thoughts
What do you think about the reality competition series? Is it too much? Or are you applying? Let us know in the comments!
