by Google
A low-key Korean project has become the most-watched series in Netflix history, influencing pop culture, fashion, meme creation, and social debate about poverty, debt, and despair. The brutal yet realistic portrayal of a society in which people are willing to risk their lives for money has caused a global frenzy.
After a successful first season and a slightly controversial second, the long-awaited third season has arrived, which concludes the entire story. While some viewers call the finale brilliant, others criticize its execution. And as if that weren't enough, an American version of Squid Game is officially in the works. Will it work without the typically Korean context? And what can we expect from this news?
Squid Game Season 3: Exciting Finale and Mixed Reactions
After a long wait, fans have finally had their chance. The third season of Squid Game has arrived on Netflix and immediately became the most watched title in Slovakia. According to the portal Interez, it earned a rating of 78%, which ranks it among the better than average. While some viewers talk about a strong return and a satisfactory conclusion to the plot, others were disappointed and claim that the series did not reach the level of the first part.
Reactions to the finale were the most polarizing. Some fans appreciated the psychological depth, symbolism, and the way the series concludes the fates of the characters. These viewers perceive the ending as dark but realistic. On the other hand, there has been a wave of dissatisfied fans who claim that the finale was illogical, rushed, or not very dramatic. Some even claim that the creators lost their courage and resorted to a "safe" solution instead of a truly surprising and shocking conclusion.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk himself responded to the wave of discussions. His goal was not to satisfy everyone, but to make the viewer think. “I wanted the viewer to be left in awe. Not for the shock effect, but to ask themselves – what would I do in their place?” said the director. He also suggested that not all answers need to be spoken – some are for everyone to find for themselves.
Overall, the third season brought a controversial yet powerful conclusion that reflects what Squid Game has always done best, which is to make viewers think about the world we live in.
American version of Squid Game
Netflix has officially confirmed that Squid Game will get an American version. After three successful series of the original from South Korea, the popular brand is moving to a new continent, where its own adaptation is to be created. This news immediately stirred up controversy among fans and critics, especially since the Korean original is extremely specific in its cultural, social, and visual context. It's still unclear who will be behind the project, or whether it will be a complete remake or just a story set in an American setting. We also don't know whether the new version will take place in the same world as the Korean trilogy or whether it will be a completely new beginning. It is rumored that Netflix is considering involving well-known Hollywood creators, but no specific names have been announced yet.
One thing is certain, however, Netflix is trying to take full advantage of the success of the original Squid Game. An American reality show “Squid Game: The Challenge” had already been created, which copied the visual style of the series and recorded high ratings. This success could have been a signal that the US audience is ready for a live-action version.
However, the question remains whether the American adaptation can fully capture the essence of Squid Game. The original by Hwang Dong-hyuk was sharply socially critical, based on the real problems of South Korean society, namely extreme debt, unemployment, social frustration and the generation gap. These themes were a natural part of the plot and gave it a depth that made it more than just a bloody survival game.
The American version may encounter this difference in context. If it focuses only on action, spectacular scenes and visual similarity, it may lose the most valuable thing – the social overlap and psychological power of the story. On the other hand, the USA has its own problems that could be appropriately integrated into the new story, such as the topics of health insurance, racial inequality, and student debt.
Ultimately, it will depend on how thoroughly the creators deal with the adaptation and whether they take the best of the original without just creating a superficial copy. Fans are cautiously curious for now and are waiting for the first concrete details.
What do you think of the American version?
