Behind Squid Game’s global success lies a journey strewn with obstacles for its creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. The South Korean creator and director, who faced unprecedented pressure to launch the series, which became a surprise hit on Netflix, revealed in an interview. BBC who lost eight of his teeth during the grueling filming of the first season.
Shooting under tension
The first season of Squid Game may have captivated subscribers around the world, but it especially pushed Hwang Dong-hyuk to the limit of his endurance. When he completed the dramatic and visually intense scenes, he described it as being so stressful that his health took a toll.
When asked if he was so stressed filming the first season that he lost six teeth, he quickly corrects: “It was eight or nine– he said with a laugh.
It must be said that the creative process of Squid Game required a huge emotional investment from Hwang. Because this series deals with loaded topics, it deals with class struggle and moral choices in the context of survival. The weight of these subjects, combined with the limitations of filming, created a climate where the director literally felt his physical health deteriorate. “It’s a life’s work, but it’s cost me more than I imagined“, he said earlier.
Hwang Dong-hyuk on the set of the first season
A ten-year struggle to create the Squid game
Before becoming a global phenomenon, Squid Game was a project that was repeatedly rejected. Hwang Dong-hyuk passed ten years Trying to sell the idea to the studios keeps getting rejected. The concept – which was originally intended to be a film – was deemed too dark and risque and did not find appeal in an industry wary of such cruel and critical subjects of society.
During these difficult times, Hwang even had to take out loans to support his family, but he still pursued his dream. It was only with the rise of Netflix and its openness to innovative content that Squid Game was finally able to see the light of day, rewarded with years of endurance.
Rebelote with seasons 2 and 3
Under these stressful circumstances, we can logically wonder if Hwang Dong-hyuk decided to return for new seasons. Indeed, The Squid Game has been renewed by Netflix and will end with a 3rd season. The author was honest, to say the least, about the reason he agreed to continue the series. It will also be an opportunity for him to address new social topics that are always relevant to our time.
Season 2 of The Squid Game will be available starting December 26 on Netflix
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
