Netflix shares first look at controversial real-life Squid Game series

Netflix has announced that it will be streaming a real-life version of its hit series Squid Game.

It seems odd given that the show could be interpreted as a chilling parable on how the super wealthy turn the poor and desperate against each other, but whatever.

Netflix's announcement that it will be streaming a 'real' version of the games featured in the hit series has already proven controversial given the subtext behind the show. The original Squid Game saw people desperate for money for one reason or another pitted against each other in a series of children's games, with deadly consequences for the losers.

Now, a real version of the games will be available to stream on the platform, with contestants going through the same games to win a cash prize. Though hopefully no-one will be murdered in this version.

The decision has already proven controversial, as a central theme of the series was the lengths that people will go to get money. One moment even saw the main characters question if their lives in the real world were worth living, while in the game at least the rules were clear.

It all gives off more dire warning about societal failings, rather than inspiration for a fun game show.

The real version will feature the same sets as the show, with 456 contestants competing for a whopping cash prize of $4.56 million / £3.7 million.

A teaser released by Netflix reveals the iconic 'Red Light Green Light' doll turning on the contestants as they line up behind the line. It really does seems like a dystopia come to life.

Twitter / Netflix

Squid Game shot to fame in 2021. Audiences were gripped by the compelling and extremely violent Korean drama. The combination of the child-like games with the horrifying consequences captured the imagination of audiences. It saw tug of war where one side plummeted to their deaths, the iconic Red Light Green Light scene, and the most emotionally scarring game of marbles ever committed to film.

As scary as the games were, the real horror was always the forces which compelled the players to come back to the deadly games, despite being given the choice to leave.

It's not the first time that the games have been brought to life. YouTube creator MrBeast staged a 'real' version of the games on his YouTube channel.

Now, in a teaser for the show, which was planned in 2022, Netflix has said: "This November, the game you love becomes reality."

Honestly, I'm not sure that's quite as fun-sounding as they think it is. On the other hand, what drives home the message of how money drives people to risk it all more than literally staging the game show where people risk it all for a cash prize.