Search icon

Movies & TV

14th Jun 2022

Netflix is looking for contestants for a “Squid Game” reality game show

Hugh Carr

squid game real life

Um… did they watch the show?

Media literacy is dead and buried, folks.

Netflix has announced a reality competition based on “Squid Game”, the hit Korean drama which took the world by storm last September.

The series, a biting criticism of the class system and the dangers of capitalism, centres on a group of people who compete in deadly games for the chance to win an enormous cash prize.

So, naturally, this should be translated into a real life competition.

“Squid Game: The Challenge” is in production, with an open call for contestants.

Much like in the series, 456 players will take part in a series of games with the aim to be the last person standing, and win the cash prize of $4.56 million (€4.38 million).

We assume that the competition won’t take the same twist the show took and kill off contestants, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

“Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang (Dong-hyuk)’s  captivating story and iconic imagery,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s VP of unscripted and documentary series.

“We’re grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment.”

“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.”

Surprisingly enough, Netflix are actually late to the game here, as a real-life “Squid Game” has already been created, to much success.

Youtube star Mr Beast created his own version of the show last November, with contestants fighting for a cash prize of $456,000 (€437,947).

The video went on to be viewed nearly 260 million times on the platform, making it one of the most successful videos on the platform in recent years.

If you would like to take a chance and take part in “Squid Game: The Challenge”, you can apply via the show’s website.

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge