Netflix opens casting call for a Squid Game reality series

Squid GameNetflix is launching a reality series called ‘The Korean Survival Drama, where the poor compete in deadly games to entertain the rich capitalists. A casting call was announced by the streaming site. Squid Game ChallengeHe seems to be blissfully unaware that the irony is there.

“Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang’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,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix VP of Unscripted and Documentary Series, in a press release. “Fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real world contestants navigate the biggest competition series ever, full of tension and twists, with the biggest ever cash prize at the end.”

Well, isn’t that nice! I’m not sure who saw it. Squid Game and thought “wow, I wish this was real,” but sure, now you too can compete against others for a lot of money. Granted, the games aren’t a fight to the death — the casting call notes “in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed.” But the existence of a Squid GameThe irony of reality shows is that they are a mockery of capitalism.

This is just one example of entertainment being monetized in spite of its profound ironies. It was back when The Hunger Games Movies were being released, and much of their marketing was focused on cool action sequences or the love triangle. (Not to mention the disturbing radio remix of the folk song the rebels use for their rallying cry). Never mind that the point of the games was to keep the working people suppressed, keep the ruling class placated in entertainment, and numb any sort of rebellion — at least we know if we’re Team Peeta or Team Gale!

The release date has not been set. Squid GameOfficially announced Monday: Season 2 of the reality series.