Netflix Inc's (NASDAQ:NFLX) most-watched series is no longer fiction, as the streaming giant has not only given a green light to the second season of the super hit South Korean drama Squid Game, but is also now adapting the series into a 'real life' competition.
Dubbed Squid Game: The Challenge, the new concept will be filmed in the UK by ITV Studios.
The original Squid Game drama series, which debuted in September 2021, featured 456 players playing classic Korean children games with a deadly twist, with the winner of the contest getting a cash prize of 45.6bn won.
The new reality show will feature 456 real players competing for a US$4.56mln (£3.9mln) reward.
When Squid Game debuted in September 2021 it quickly became the most-watched show on the network, with 142mln households around the world watching in its first four weeks, as it portrayed cash-strapped contestants playing childhood games for a chance to win big.
A series of games inspired by the original show – plus surprises – will now test strategies, alliances, and character while competitors are eliminated around them.
The streamer said in a statement that unlike the TV series, death is not on the cards for contestants and that the worst thing that can happen is going home empty-handed.
"Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang’s captivating story and iconic imagery. We’re grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment," said Brandon Riegg, Netflix VP of unscripted and documentary series.
"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."
Ten episodes of the competition series will be produced by two companies owned by ITV PLC (LSE:ITV)'s Studios arm: Studio Lambert, producer of Gogglebox, The Circle and Race Across the World, and The Garden, makers of 24 Hours in A&E.
We're delighted to be working with @TheGardenTV on this brand-new reality series Squid Game: The Challenge for @netflix!
Apply now: https://t.co/IkUnm2N4Tb https://t.co/JujvtrDtL0
— Studio Lambert (@studiolambert) June 14, 2022
With more than 1.65bn view hours in the first 28 days following its 2021 premiere, Squid Game holds the record as Netflix's most popular series of all-time.
The show was officially renewed for season 2 on June 12, 2022, by Netflix and director Hwang.