Squid Game: The Challenge has been the focus of much criticism since its announcement. The reality competition, based on the hit drama series on Netflix, features 456 players competing in dystopian kids’ games for a record-breaking $4.56 million prize. The series is visually captivating and ambitious, closely resembling the original drama that captivated global audiences in 2021. Despite the anticipation surrounding the release of the competition’s 10 episodes, the show has faced backlash from critics who believe it falls short of the deeper themes explored in Squid Game.
The Hollywood Reporter recently published a review of the show, claiming that while the original Squid Game delved into the dehumanization of capitalism, The Challenge focuses on the superficial aspects of the series and undermines the profound themes. Studio Lambert executive producers Stephen Lambert, Tim Harcourt, and John Hay responded to these criticisms in a recent interview published by THR. The producers address concerns about the physical toll the challenges took on contestants, the decision to alter some of the games featured in the competition, and the overall execution of the complex production.
Lambert explained that dealing with a large number of contestants posed a challenge in terms of storytelling, as traditional television conventions require focusing the narrative on a smaller group of individuals. The show’s unique approach to interviews, where contestants are allowed to discuss their lives in a therapeutic setting, was highlighted as a means to quickly reveal the players’ characters and create a sense of empathy for them.
Harcourt defended the show by highlighting its multiple themes, stating that Squid Game critiques not only capitalism but also examines the competitive nature ingrained in people from childhood. He contends that the reality show provides a platform to explore human behavior under pressure and camaraderie, all while flipping the premise of Squid Game on its head by presenting contestants with an opportunity as opposed to a desperate need.
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The producers also addressed concerns about the physical toll experienced by contestants during filming. They assured that the welfare and safety of the players were paramount and that all necessary measures were taken to ensure their well-being. Lambert emphasized that while the challenges in the show were tough, they were not more severe than other popular unscripted reality shows. He acknowledged that while there were moments of difficulty, they were well within the standard range of challenges experienced by contestants in other shows.
Another point of contention was the portrayal of the competition’s staged and fictionalized elements. Lambert explained that by incorporating “guards” to convey information to the contestants, the show aimed to create an immersive experience that closely mirrored the original drama series. The decision to hire a choreographer to work with the guards was crucial in establishing their authority and presence within the show.
Additionally, the producers discussed the decision to alter one of the games featured in the competition. Hay reasoned that maintaining an element of surprise for the viewers and players was essential. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between familiarity and unpredictability to stay true to the spirit of Squid Game. While the show diverted from featuring all the original games in sequential order, the producers expressed contentment with the way the altered games were executed.
Overall, Squid Game: The Challenge is a visually stunning and ambitious reality competition that has faced criticism for its departure from the deeper themes of the original drama series. Despite this, the producers stand by their decisions and hope to surprise and captivate viewers with their unique approach to the beloved Squid Game universe.
