13 Ways Squid Game Differs from the Original Script
Revealing the Evolution of a Global Phenomenon
Squid Game took the world by storm when it debuted on Netflix in 2021, captivating audiences with its intense survival drama and social commentary. The series, created by South Korean filmmaker Hwang Dong-hyuk, underwent significant changes from its original conception in 2008 to its eventual release over a decade later. These alterations resulted in 13 notable differences between the final product and the initial script, ranging from character development to plot twists.
The journey of Squid Game from idea to global phenomenon was not a straightforward one. Hwang Dong-hyuk first developed the concept in 2008 but faced rejection from studios who found the premise too unrealistic and violent. As the project evolved, characters were reimagined, game mechanics were refined, and themes were sharpened to reflect contemporary societal issues in South Korea and beyond.
Genesis of the Script
Squid Game's journey from concept to global phenomenon spanned over a decade. The script underwent significant changes as creator Hwang Dong-hyuk refined his vision and adapted to evolving societal issues.
Initial Concept and Influences
Hwang Dong-hyuk first conceived the idea for Squid Game in 2008. He drew inspiration from his own financial struggles and observations of growing wealth inequality in South Korea. The initial concept focused on a survival game that would highlight the desperation of individuals facing extreme economic hardship.
Manga series like Battle Royale and reality TV shows influenced the competitive structure. Hwang aimed to create a uniquely Korean story that would resonate globally. He incorporated childhood games familiar to Korean audiences, adding a nostalgic element to the high-stakes drama.
Evolution from 2009 to 2018
Hwang completed the first draft of the Squid Game script in 2009. Over the next decade, he continually revised and updated the story. The script faced numerous rejections from production companies and investors who found it too unconventional and violent.
During this period, Hwang sharpened the social commentary aspects of the story. He incorporated more recent economic issues and technological advancements. The characters became more nuanced, with deeper backstories and motivations.
By 2018, the script had evolved significantly from its original form. Hwang had refined the pacing, intensified the games, and strengthened the thematic elements. These changes ultimately contributed to the show's massive success when it finally reached screens in 2021.
Character Development
Squid Game's characters underwent significant changes from the original script to the final version. These alterations deepened their backstories, added complexity to their motivations, and created more nuanced relationships between the players.
Seong Gi-Hun's Backstory
Seong Gi-Hun's character evolved from a simple gambling addict to a more layered protagonist. The final version expanded on his failed business ventures and strained relationship with his daughter. This added depth made his desperation more palpable and his choices more understandable.
His gambling addiction became intertwined with a desire to provide for his family, creating internal conflict. The script also introduced his past as a laid-off auto worker, linking his personal struggles to broader societal issues.
These changes made Gi-Hun more relatable and gave viewers a clearer understanding of his motivations for entering the deadly game.
Oh Il-Nam's Hidden Layers
Oh Il-Nam's character underwent the most dramatic transformation from script to screen. Initially conceived as a straightforward elderly contestant, he became the mastermind behind the games.
This change added layers of complexity to his interactions with other players, particularly Gi-Hun. His seemingly innocent demeanor masked a darker purpose, creating tension and intrigue throughout the series.
The script expanded on Il-Nam's backstory, revealing his wealth and boredom as motivations for creating the games. This twist challenged viewers' perceptions and raised thought-provoking questions about morality and power.
Cho Sang-Woo's Transformation
Cho Sang-Woo's character arc was enhanced to create a more compelling antagonist. The script delved deeper into his past as Gi-Hun's childhood friend and a once-successful businessman.
His descent from a respected member of society to a desperate, morally compromised player was more fully explored. This transformation highlighted the corrupting influence of debt and societal pressure.
Sang-Woo's intelligence and strategic thinking became more prominent, setting up a rivalry with Gi-Hun. His increasingly ruthless actions throughout the games created tension and conflict among the players.
Kang Sae-Byeok as a North Korean Defector
Kang Sae-Byeok's character was given a richer backstory as a North Korean defector. This addition provided insight into her motivations and the challenges she faced both before and during the games.
The script explored her struggle to adapt to South Korean society and her desire to reunite with her family. These elements added emotional depth to her character and highlighted the broader theme of societal inequality.
Sae-Byeok's skills as a pickpocket were more prominently featured, showcasing her resourcefulness and survival instincts. Her reluctance to form alliances became a key aspect of her character development.
Jang Deok-Su's Antagonistic Role
Jang Deok-Su's character was expanded to serve as a more prominent antagonist within the games. The script gave him a fuller backstory as a career criminal with connections to organized crime.
His ruthless nature and willingness to exploit others for personal gain were more fully developed. This made him a foil for characters like Gi-Hun and Sae-Byeok, who struggled with moral dilemmas.
Deok-Su's interactions with other players became more complex, showcasing power dynamics and alliances within the games. His presence added tension and conflict to group challenges, driving the plot forward.
Narrative Structure
Squid Game's narrative structure deviates from conventional storytelling methods, incorporating elements of Dan Harmon's Story Circle while adapting it to fit the show's unique premise. This approach enhances character development and plot progression throughout the series.
Dan Harmon's Story Circle Influence
Squid Game's narrative structure borrows from Dan Harmon's Story Circle, a storytelling framework used in popular shows like Rick and Morty. The series follows the circle's eight-step process, starting with the protagonist Gi-hun in his familiar world of poverty and gambling addiction.
The "call to adventure" arrives when he's invited to participate in the deadly games. Gi-hun adapts to the new rules and forms alliances, facing increasingly difficult challenges that test his morality and survival instincts.
The show's structure allows for deep exploration of characters' backgrounds through flashbacks, providing context for their decisions in the game. This circular narrative culminates in Gi-hun's return to the ordinary world, fundamentally changed by his experiences.
Game Design and Rules
Squid Game's deadly challenges underwent significant changes from conception to screen. The evolution of game designs and rules shaped the series' intense competition and social commentary.
Original Games vs. Final Games
The initial script featured different games than those seen in the final version. Early drafts included variations of traditional Korean children's games, but some were deemed too complex or not visually engaging enough for television. The show's creators carefully selected games that would be both familiar to Korean audiences and easily understood by international viewers.
The final selection of games balanced simplicity, tension, and visual impact. Each game was designed to test different skills and psychological traits, creating a diverse set of challenges. The progression of games also followed a deliberate arc, increasing in difficulty and emotional stakes as the series progressed.
Red Light, Green Light's Origin and Changes
Red Light, Green Light underwent significant modifications from its original concept. In early versions, the game was less deadly and focused more on psychological pressure. The addition of the giant doll and the immediate elimination of players dramatically increased the stakes and visual impact.
The game's rules were simplified to create clear, high-tension moments. The time limit was adjusted to create urgency without making the challenge impossible. Producers also fine-tuned the doll's movements and the timing of her head turns to maximize suspense.
Tug of War's Symbolic Relevance
Tug of War emerged as a powerful metaphor for societal struggles. Initially conceived as a straightforward test of strength, the game evolved to incorporate strategy and teamwork elements. This change highlighted themes of cooperation and leadership under extreme pressure.
The elevated platform was added to increase the visual drama and reinforce the life-or-death nature of the competition. The game's duration was carefully calibrated to allow for dramatic shifts in momentum while maintaining a brisk pace for viewers.
Tug of War also served to develop key character relationships and conflicts, setting up crucial plot developments for later episodes.
Visual and Thematic Elements
The visual style and thematic elements of Squid Game underwent significant changes from the original script to the final production. These alterations enhanced the show's impact and helped convey its core messages more effectively.
Color Schemes and Costume Design
The vibrant color palette in Squid Game became a defining feature, differing from the more muted tones initially envisioned. Contestants wore bright green tracksuits, a stark contrast to the original plan for gray uniforms. This change amplified the childlike nature of the games and highlighted the characters' vulnerability.
Guards' pink outfits replaced the black attire described in the early drafts. This unexpected color choice added an eerie dissonance between their playful appearance and brutal actions.
Gui's character design evolved to include a distinctive gold mask, setting him apart as the game's overseer. This visual cue reinforced the themes of wealth and power central to the show's critique of economic inequality in South Korea.
Set Design and Location Choices
The game arenas underwent substantial revisions from script to screen. Initially conceived as outdoor locations, they transformed into elaborate indoor sets. This shift allowed for greater control over the environment and enhanced the surreal atmosphere.
The dormitory, originally a basic shelter, became a vast space with towering bunk beds. This change emphasized the dehumanizing nature of the competition and the sheer scale of the operation.
Exterior shots of Seoul were carefully selected to portray a city of stark contrasts. Gleaming skyscrapers juxtaposed with run-down neighborhoods visually reinforced the show's themes of inequality and desperation in modern South Korean society.
The Front Man's lair, barely described in the original script, evolved into an opulent observation room. Its luxurious design starkly contrasted with the contestants' living conditions, further highlighting the divide between the powerful and the powerless.
Casting and Performances
The casting choices and performances in Squid Game played a crucial role in bringing the characters to life. Some key changes occurred between the original script and the final production, impacting how the roles were portrayed on screen.
Lee Jung-Jae's Portrayal of Seong Gi-Hun
Lee Jung-Jae's performance as Seong Gi-Hun evolved significantly from the initial concept. The actor brought depth and nuance to the character, expanding on the original script's outline. Lee improvised certain moments, adding layers to Gi-Hun's personality and motivations.
His portrayal emphasized Gi-Hun's moral struggles and complex relationships with other contestants. This resulted in a more compelling and relatable protagonist than initially envisioned. Lee's interpretation helped solidify Gi-Hun as the emotional core of the series.
Supporting Characters and Casting Decisions
Several supporting characters underwent changes during the casting process. The production team made adjustments to enhance the ensemble's dynamics and diversity. Some roles were expanded or modified to better fit the actors' strengths.
For instance, the character of Kang Sae-byeok, played by Jung Ho-yeon, gained more prominence than in the original script. The detective subplot, featuring Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho, was not part of the initial concept but added depth to the narrative.
These casting decisions and character adjustments contributed to the show's global appeal and helped create a more engaging viewing experience.
Cultural and Social Commentary
Squid Game's script evolved to provide deeper insights into South Korean society and North Korean experiences. The changes amplified the show's critique of social inequality and highlighted the struggles of marginalized groups.
South Korean Society Reflections
The revised script sharpened its focus on wealth disparities in South Korea. It introduced more explicit references to real-world issues like youth unemployment and crippling household debt. The game's structure became a starker metaphor for capitalist competition.
Character backstories were expanded to showcase diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This change allowed for a more nuanced exploration of how different social classes navigate financial hardship.
The VIP characters received additional development, emphasizing the gulf between Korea's ultra-wealthy and the desperate contestants. Their dialogue now included more pointed commentary on Korean economic policies.
North Korea Depictions and Implications
Kang Sae-Byeok's character arc underwent significant changes to provide a more authentic portrayal of North Korean defectors. Her backstory was fleshed out with specific details about the challenges faced during escape and resettlement in South Korea.
The script added scenes depicting Sae-Byeok's interactions with other South Koreans, highlighting discrimination and cultural misunderstandings. These additions shed light on the complex integration issues faced by North Korean refugees.
New dialogue explored the contrast between North Korean propaganda and the realities of life in South Korea. This provided a subtle critique of both systems and their impact on ordinary citizens.
Global Impact and Reception
Squid Game achieved unprecedented global success, becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcended language barriers. The series sparked widespread discussions about societal issues and captivated audiences through innovative marketing strategies.
Breaking International Boundaries
Squid Game shattered Netflix viewing records, amassing 111 million household views in its first 28 days. This surpassed previous non-English language hits like Money Heist and Lupin. The show's success in Western markets was particularly notable, challenging the notion that subtitled content couldn't gain mass appeal.
Netflix's investment in high-quality dubbing and subtitles for multiple languages contributed to its accessibility. The series resonated with viewers worldwide due to its universal themes of economic struggle and human nature.
Squid Game's impact extended beyond entertainment, influencing fashion trends and Halloween costumes. It also sparked debates about wealth inequality and social mobility in various countries.
TikTok and Social Media Phenomenon
Squid Game's popularity on social media platforms, especially TikTok, played a crucial role in its global spread. Users created countless memes, challenges, and parodies based on the show's iconic games and characters.
The "Dalgona Challenge" became particularly viral, with millions of TikTok users attempting to carve shapes out of honeycomb candy. This real-world engagement helped sustain interest in the series long after its release.
Netflix's social media team capitalized on this trend, creating official TikTok accounts and sharing behind-the-scenes content. This strategy fostered a sense of community among fans and extended the show's cultural impact.
The series' distinctive visuals, such as the guards' pink uniforms and the giant robot doll, became instantly recognizable symbols, further fueling its social media presence.
