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: