Netflix announces real-life Squid Game with $4.56m cash prize

Charlie Herbert

Don’t worry, defeated contestants will leave with their life

Netflix has announced it is looking for recruits for a real-life version of Squid Game to be filmed in the UK.

Last year, the dystopian South Korean drama became Netflix’s most-watched series of all time, with over 1.65 billion view hours in the first 28 days after its September 2021 premiere.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the streaming platform said it would be creating a real-life game show based on the series.

Just like in the show, the 10-episode reality series will see 456 contestants compete for a $4.56m (£3.8m) prize.

But, unlike in the South Korean drama, the worst fate for contestants will simply be “going home empty-handed.”

Do you want to play a game? Enter to join Squid Game: The Challenge at https://t.co/MaXfZnqmvb pic.twitter.com/6gYLXlplDC

— Netflix (@netflix) June 14, 2022

Netflix has said the prize pot is the “largest cast and lump cash prize in reality TV history.”

“As [players] compete through a series of games inspired by the original show – plus surprising new additions – their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while competitors are eliminated around them,” it added.

If you want to register for the chance to compete you can sign up at SquidGameCasting.com.

Participants must be aged 21 or over, speak English and be available for up to 4 weeks filming in early 2023.

This won’t be the first time that Squid Game has been recreated in the real-world though. In the aftermath of the show’s success, YouTuber Mr Beast created his own version of the arena and the different games.

But in this version, contestants were competing for just $456,000.

Earlier this week, Netflix confirmed Squid Game would be returning for a second series.

Red light… GREENLIGHT!

Squid Game is officially coming back for Season 2! pic.twitter.com/4usO2Zld39

— Netflix (@netflix) June 12, 2022

In the official confirmation, series creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote: “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.

“As the writer, director, and producer of Squid Game, a huge shout out to fans around the world. Thank you for watching and loving our show.”

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