Fans of Squid Game have pointed out the twisted irony of the new, real-life competition version for “completely missing the premise” of the show.
Netflix is currently recruiting participants for a reality TV show inspired by the hit Korean dystopian drama.
It will not be life and death at stake, instead, 456 recruits from around the world will play games where “the worst fate is going home empty-handed” - missing out on a $4.56m (£3.8m) prize.
Netflix also confirmed that the popular series would be renewed for a second season.
Confirming the new 10-episode series, the streaming platform said Squid Game: The Challenge would offer 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.
Participants must be at least 21 years old, they must speak English, and be available for up to 4 weeks of filming at the beginning of 2023.
Naturally, in the real-life experience, “the worst fate is going home open-handed” - the best being $4.56 million richer. In the show, the fate of failure is death.
Many social media users were quick to point out the discrepancy.
One tweeted: ‘Did y’all even watch Squid Games? It’s a social commentary on the state of our world and influence. Y’all REALLY gonna make a Squid Game challenge show? TONE DEAF’.
Another added: ‘Netflix green-lighting a Squid Game reality show with a 4 million + prize is just. Did y’all even watch your own show?’
A third shared a similar sentiment, saying: ‘Did @netflix even watch squid game?’
Contestants can apply at SquidGameCasting.com, and Netflix states they are specifically looking for English-speaking competitors “for this round,” implying future seasons could be in the works.
