'Squid Game: The Challenge': Medics called to reality show's set as extreme cold vexes contestants
BEDFORD'S CARDINGTON STUDIOS, NORTH OF LONDON: Global phenomenon 'Squid Game' is all set to branch out into a game show based on the series. The reality game show 'Squid Game: The Challenge' is currently in production and would feature games based on 'Squid Game'. During the filming of the reality show, medical attention was needed on the set owing to the ongoing cold snap in the UK.
'Squid Game' is a Korean survival thriller series, which premiered in 2021. Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, 'Squid Game' is one of Netflix's most-watched shows. Its cast includes Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, Park Hae-soo as Cho Sang-woo, Hoyeon as Kang Sae-byeok, Oh Yeong-su as Oh Il-nam, Heo Sung-tae as Jang Deok-su and Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho.
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Do you want to play a game? Enter to join Squid Game: The Challenge at https://t.co/MaXfZnqmvb pic.twitter.com/6gYLXlplDC
— Netflix (@netflix) June 14, 2022
According to Variety, the unscripted game show was first announced by Bela Bajaria in June 2022 and is said to be based on the children's game from the series. Filming is said to have been conducted in two studios in the UK. The show is set to feature contestants from across the world, with 456 participants already selected for the game. Like the series, the reality game show has also announced a grand prize of $4.56 million for its winner. The first game to be filmed was 'Red Light, Green Light'.
UK's inclement weather has, however, derailed production in the early days itself, with temperatures plummeting to zero degrees celsius on the first day. According to reports, contestants had received hand warmers and thermal underwear, but, especially for those new to the extreme cold, things have been very difficult. As a result, a medic's assistance was required for less than 5 persons on set.
According to The Sun, one participant said, “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 commented, “Some people couldn’t move their feet because it was so cold."
Variety quoted a Netflix spokesperson stating, “We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures. While it was very cold on set — and participants were prepared for that — any claims of serious injury are untrue.”
Season 1 of 'Squid Game' is exclusively streaming on Netflix.