Squid Game Director Lost 9 Teeth From Stress Of Filming Drama, So Why Did He Make A Sequel?

The much-anticipated sequel for hit Korean thriller Squid Game is set to premiere on Netflix on December 26.

The series about a group of cash-strapped individuals who take part in deadly games to win a massive cash prize first aired in 2021 and became a global smash hit, setting new viewing records for the streaming platform.

Thanks to its elaborate sets, not to mention the large number of extras, the nine-episode series reportedly cost a whopping 20bil won (about S$22.9mil) to produce.

In an interview with the BBC, director Hwang Donghyuk shared that he was so stressed filming the first season that he lost six teeth.

He quickly corrected himself, saying: “It was actually eight or nine” (!!).

So why did he make a sequel?

“Money,” he replied candidly.

Despite the show’s success, Donghyuk “didn’t make much”.

“So doing the second series will help compensate me for the success of the first one too,” he said.

“And I didn’t finish the story.”

Donghyuk was reportedly paid a modest flat fee upfront and was unable to cash in on the US$900mil (S$1.2bil) the series was estimated to have earned for Netflix.

Filming the sequel wasn’t any easier, but at least there was no mention about Donghyuk losing more teeth.

As most of the characters were killed off in the first season, Donghyuk had to start fresh, introducing new characters and games.

With the high expectations for Season 2, he admitted he feels “even more pressure now”.

Here’s what to expect:

The new season sees previous winner Seong Gi Hun, played by Lee Jung Jae, returning to the game to try to destroy it and save the latest group of contestants.

According to Jung Jae, his character is “more desperate and determined” than before.

There are also some new twists to the game.

The contestants’ dormitory floor is divided in half, with one side marked by a red X and the other a blue circle.

After each game, contestants must pick a side, depending on whether they want to end the game early and survive, or keep playing. The majority decision rules.

This is to show the dangers of living in an increasingly tribal world, said Donghyuk, as he believes forcing people to take sides will fuel conflicts.

The series will also answer some burning questions, such as why the game exists and the motives behind the masked Front Man, who runs it.

“People will see more of the Front Man’s past, his story and his emotions,” revealed Lee Byung Hun, who plays the mysterious character.

“I don’t think this will make viewers warm to him, but it may help them better understand his choices.”