A REAL LIFE Squid Game is being organised - without the violence

The harmless game will take place in Abu Dhabi

Author: Alex RossPublished 13th Oct 2021

After taking over from Bridgerton as Netflix's most-watched show of all time, it's safe to say that Squid Game is the TV show everybody is talking about right now, with many binging all nine episodes in one day.

In case you're wondering what on earth we are talking about, it's not a show about squids, it's in fact a South Korean survival drama that has now been watched by over 110 million households across the world.

The show, which was written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, involves hundreds of 'cash-strapped players' accept an invitation to take part in a series of children's games for a massive cash prize, with tragic consequences for the losers, literally.

Although the show has been slammed by a number of critics for being too violent, a company out in Abu Dhabi has now made a REAL LIFE version of the show, of course, WITHOUT the murder.

The Korean Cultural Center in the United Arab Emirates are organizing the event, which will see two teams of 15 participants take part in the re-enactment over two days.

And just like the Neflix show, lucky applicants in the UAE will get the chance to play four of the original games, including Red light Green light, Dalgona Candy Challenge, Ddakji Game and the Marbles game.

Another difference from the Netflix show is that the winners won't be given a prize fund of £38 million, instead they'll be gifted a customised green tracksuit.

Check out all of the new shows arriving on Netflix in the coming weeks:

Sexy Beasts (7th October)

Reality shows don't get much weirder than Sexy Beasts. Following the success of the first series, the dating show is back with even more singles looking to not be swayed by looks when it comes to finding love.
The result? They all get dressed up as sexy beasts before the masks come off...

You Season Three (15th October)

Creepy Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn are back, and they've got a baby boy! The show's creator, Sera Gamble, even described the upcoming series as even more 'bonkers' as the first two.

Locke & Key Series Two (22nd October)

After their father is murdered under mysterious circumstances, the three Locke siblings and their mother move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, which they discover is full of magical keys that may be connected to their father's death. However, as they explore the keys a mysterious demon awakens and will stop at nothing to steal them.

Big Mouth Series 5 (5th November)

Animated comedy from real-life best friends Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg is back for another series.

Narcos: Mexico Series Three

Narcos: Mexico season 3 continues the story of Miguel Ángel ​Félix Gallardo, now the Godfather of the first Mexican cartel as he struggles to maintain control, grow his empire, and reconcile the betrayals and sacrifices he had to make on his way to becoming El Padrino.

Tiger King

Netflix aren't saying much about the new series of Tiger King - the show that had us all gripped in 2020 - but it's coming, and that's all that matters.

Cowboy Bebop

Based on the beloved anime series, Cowboy Bepop is an action-packed space Western about three bounty hunters, aka "cowboys," all trying to outrun the past.

Money Heist Part 5 Volume 2 (3rd December)

The end of the greatest heist in history is approaching, and what began as a robbery will turn into a war. Part 5 of the iconic series is released in two volumes, with the second volume hitting Netflix on 3rd December.

The Witcher Season 2 (17th December)

The second series of The Witcher promises to be bigger and better than the first. Convinced Yennefer's life was lost at the Battle of Sodden, Geralt of Rivia brings Princess Cirilla to the safest place he knows, his childhood home of Kaer Morhen. While the Continent's kings, elves, humans and demons strive for supremacy outside its walls, he must protect the girl from something far more dangerous: the mysterious power she possesses inside.

Emily In Paris Season 2 (22nd December)

Netflix show Emily In Paris certainly took the world by storm last year, with viewers across the world binge-watching the 10-part series featuring Lily Collins in a matter of hours. Guess what? She's back for another series and we absolutely cannot wait.

Cobra Kai Season 4 (31st December)

Season 4 of Cobra Kai finds the Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang dojos joining forces to take down Cobra Kai at the All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament... and whoever loses must hang up their gi.

Meanwhile, following the success of Squid Game over the last month, it's no surprise fans across the world are calling out for a second series, especially after THAT cliffhanger ending involving character Oh Il-nam.

Despite the calls, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently confessed he doesn't have any immediate plans just yet.

He told Variety: "I don't have well developed plans for Squid Game 2. It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I'd consider using a writers' room and would want multiple experienced directors."

Speaking about the success of the show, Hwang added: "I wanted to write a story that was an allegory or fable about modern capitalist society, something that depicts an extreme competition, somewhat like the extreme competition of life."

Series one of Squid Game is available on Netflix now.

Now read:

Squid Game creator responds to series 2 rumours

Netflix confirm second series of Sex/Life

You series three lands on Netflix this week

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