Turning a morbid television series into a reality show might not be a good idea after all.
Some contestants of Squid Game: The Challenge — a reality competition series inspired by the South Korean thriller Squid Game — have threatened to take legal action against Netflix after allegedly suffering from injuries during filming.
According to Deadline, the two anonymous participants reportedly experienced hypothermia and nerve damage while filming in cold weather in the United Kingdom. The two allegedly suffered injuries while filming the reality show’s opening game called “Red Light, Green Light.”
Express Solicitors, the British law firm hired by the two contestants, claimed their clients risked their health during the shoot. Viewers who have watched the television show may remember that the “Red Light, Green Light” game, which the reality competition tried to imitate, requires players to remain motionless in order to stay alive.
Express Solicitors CEO Daniel Slade shared a statement regarding the possible lawsuit. “We recognise people may see this as a classic David and Goliath battle with the company and its production partners. Contestants thought they were taking part in something fun and those injured did not expect to suffer as they did. Now they have been left with injuries after spending time being stuck in painful stress positions in cold temperatures.”
On the other hand, a spokesperson for Squid Game: The Challenge told Deadline that they “take the welfare of [their] contestants extremely seriously,” though no lawsuit has been filed by any of the Squid Game contestants” as of the moment.
What is the premise of Squid Game: The Challenge?
Squid Game: The Challenge intends to take the 2021 thriller drama into a real-life competition show, all without — of course — death.
“Immersed in the world of “Squid Game,” 456 real players put their skills — and character — to the ultimate test for a life-changing $4.56 million prize,” the logline reads.
Both Squid Game and Squid Game: The Challenge are available to stream on Netflix.
