Netflix’s real-life Squid Game has turned into utter chaos amid reports that contestants have collapsed in freezing conditions on set.
The game show, which is based on the 2021 phenomenon, is currently filming in the UK, with players competing to earn a staggering £3.7 million (AUD $6.4m).
However, one challenge saw players endure temperatures around -3C during the infamous Red Light, Green Light game, according to The Sun.
One hopeful told the outlet that the games took an emotional toll on players.
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They said: “Even if hypothermia kicked in then people were willing to stay for as long as possible because a lot of money was on the line. Too many were determined not to move so they stood there for far too long.
“There were people arriving thinking they were going to be millionaires but they left in tears.”
The contestant described it as a complete ‘war zone’, where they were kicked out if they spoke.
They added that some couldn’t move their feet because it was so cold.
The player continued: “You could hear someone yell ‘medic’ and the crew would rush on. We ended up standing there for 30 minutes between takes.
"Some were crawling by the end. At least one was carried out on a stretcher.”
Another contestant said they were given loads of clothes to battle the conditions, but it was still freezing.
Apparently, hundreds of people were eliminated in the first round.
According to Netflix, exactly 456 players are competing to win the largest cash prize in reality TV history.
The show will see alliances formed, enemies made, and large stakes at play - but thankfully, they’re not fatal this time around.
Brandon Riegg, Netflix vice president of unscripted and documentary series, said in a statement: “Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang [Dong-hyuk]’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.”
He added that the games would be full of ‘tension and twists’ as players try to score some major cash.
Following reports of contestants in the real-life series collapsing, Netflix told The Sun they made sure no one was at risk of harm.
“Netflix, Studio Lambert and The Garden takes contributor care as one of its highest priorities and regular toilet breaks, water and food are categorically standard practice on production," a spokesperson said.
“All contestants were prepared by production several weeks ago that they would be playing a game in cold conditions and participated knowing this.
“All precautions were taken to ensure the game was played safely.”
Squid Game: The Challenge will feature 10 episodes; however, no word yet on when it will be released.
Squid Game is Netflix’s most popular title to ever grace the streaming service, racking in a jaw-dropping 1.65 million hours of viewing 28 days following its release.
According to CNET, Netflix claimed that more than 2.1 billion subscribers had watched the series since it debuted in September 2021.
Topics: News, TV and Film, Netflix
Charisa Bossinakis