The Original Concept for Squid Game Was Significantly Different from the Final Series

Squid Game made waves as a ground-breaking phenomenon on Netflix upon its release in 2021, with the subsequent season further cementing its remarkable reputation. The project, initially envisioned quite differently, showcases an intriguing journey, especially in light of the substantial boost to streaming services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hwang Dong-hyuk’s captivating thriller unexpectedly captivated audiences and became a staple of conversations globally. Achieving the towering success of its maiden season seemed daunting, yet Squid Game season 2 shattered previous Netflix viewership records, positioning the franchise as one of the most significant in the platform’s extensive lineup.

With two powerhouse seasons successfully airing, Netflix has now confirmed that Squid Game season 3 is on the way, slated for release in 2025. This final installment promises to wrap up the gripping narrative that has taken the world by storm. While Netflix has produced numerous acclaimed K-dramas over the years—such as *All of Us Are Dead* and *Kingdom*—none have matched the staggering heights of Squid Game. The show’s impact has extended beyond the screen, inspiring a game show, a collaboration with *Call of Duty*, and an American adaptation currently in development by David Fincher. However, the original concept for the project diverged significantly from its eventual form, adding layers to its compelling backstory.

Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Initial Vision for Squid Game

An Intended Cinematic Experience

Gi-hun Looking Worried in Season 2 Episode 6

Initially, Squid Game was conceived as a feature film rather than a multi-season television series. According to creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, the script for the first season was crafted back in 2009, emphasizing a more cinematic structure before eventually transitioning into a series format nearly ten years later. In a conversation with ScreenRant, Hwang disclosed, “I wrote the script for it as a feature film in 2009…then it was later in 2019 when we changed that.”This transformation allowed for the creation of a compelling nine-episode series.

As for season 1, I wrote the script for it as a feature film in 2009 in the beginning, and that took about eight or nine months for me back then. And then it was later in 2019 when we changed that. I changed the film script to two eight or nine-episode series. So, if I count the sheer time that went into developing the script, it would be over a year.

The dramatic scope of season 1 spanned around eight hours of content, leaving one to ponder how a film adaptation would have altered its narrative depth. Given the expansion of the franchise, a cinematic version might still be feasible in the future. However, the success of the current series indicates that the episodic format has allowed for more intricate plotting and character development than a single film could accommodate.

A Decade in the Making: Squid Game’s Transformation

Persistence in the Face of Rejection

Hwang Dong-hyuk’s commitment to his vision is evident in the ten-year timeline from initial script creation to series launch. Despite numerous studio rejections, he displayed unwavering determination, ultimately leading to the successful release of Squid Game as a television series. This approach not only proved successful in terms of viewership but also opened avenues for future spin-offs and explorations of the broader universe.

In addition to David Fincher’s American remake, the original series lays a strong foundation for potential spin-offs that can delve into character backstories or explore other games and scenarios within the universe. While a film could have mirrored this potential, the first season effectively set the stage for a continuously evolving franchise, benefiting from the rise of streaming services just as it premiered.

The extensive journey of Squid Game, marked by persistence and adaptation, validates Dong-hyuk’s belief in his vision. With the series regarded as one of the defining shows of the 2020s, his resilience has undeniably paid off.

Imagining Squid Game as a 2010s Movie

Significant Shifts in Tone and Pacing

The Salesman and Gi-hun in Season 2 — Image via Netflix

If Squid Game had premiered as a feature film in the 2010s, its narrative and impact would have significantly differed from the beloved Netflix series. A major distinction would have been its length; even a three-hour runtime would still be insufficient to capture the complexity that season 1 offered. The film would likely have concentrated heavily on the games, leaving little room for character development outside of the self-contained arena, potentially altering the show’s intended tone.

The accelerated pacing necessitated by a film format could diminish the intensity of key plot twists and character arcs, limiting the depth of emotional engagement crucial to the series’ success. While the pivotal theme of affluent individuals exploiting the vulnerable would remain central, the focus would likely shift primarily to the games, at the expense of nuanced storytelling.

Despite the palpable allure of creating a cinematic version of Squid Game, the eventual emergence of the Netflix series demonstrates that such a format may not have achieved the same level of critical and viewer acclaim. The show’s rich narrative universe resonates profoundly today, highlighting the triumph of Hwang Dong-hyuk’s original vision crystallized through television.

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