AceShowbiz - Nine months after the conclusion of the original Squid Game series, Netflix has officially announced a new spinoff expanding the franchise's reach. Following the massive success of the dystopian thriller and its reality competition adaptation, Netflix is now developing a celebrity edition titled Squid Game: The VIP Challenge.

The original Korean drama, which premiered in 2021, captivated viewers worldwide with its high-stakes, deadly games where hundreds of players competed in childhood challenges for a multi-million dollar prize. The intense survival series featured games such as Red Light, Green Light, Tug of War, Dalgona, Marbles, and a Six-Legged Pentathlon. The first season ended with Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) winning the competition, only to return for the second season. That season raised the stakes further, culminating in Gi-hun’s death and a surprise appearance by Cate Blanchett as an American recruiter.

Since its debut, Squid Game has been critically acclaimed, holding an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It has earned numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for Lee Jung-jae as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a Golden Globe for O Yeong-su as Best Supporting Actor, and a SAG Award recognizing Jung Ho-yeon’s performance.

Building on the original series’ momentum, Netflix launched Squid Game: The Challenge, a reality show inspired by the series’ deadly contests. To date, two seasons have aired, crowning Mai Whelan and Perla Figuereo as winners. However, unlike the scripted series, The Challenge has received mixed reviews, earning a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although it debuted at number one on Netflix’s streaming charts across multiple countries. It also garnered Creative Arts Emmy nominations for casting, direction, and production design.

The new VIP Challenge will feature celebrities from various fields competing in the signature high-pressure challenges. The cast includes real estate star Ryan Serhant from Owning Manhattan, NBA player Tristan Thompson, Spice Girls member Mel B, influencer Kristy Sarah, reality TV personality Kim Zolciak from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Bachelor contestant Hannah Godwin, and TV personality Dylan Efron.

Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron, previously won Peacock’s celebrity competition series The Traitors season 3 alongside Dolores Catania, Gabby Windey, and Lord Ivar Mountbatten. He also competed in Dancing with the Stars season 34. Adding to the mix, one non-celebrity competitor, DJ and SoulCycle coach Viper, will join the celebrity cast. Viper earned a place on the show by winning the Second Chance Fan Vote during the second season of Squid Game: The Challenge.

This upcoming installment marks Netflix’s move to blend celebrity reality TV formats with its popular scripted franchises, following the success Peacock has found with its celebrity version of The Traitors. However, Netflix has not yet announced an official premiere date for Squid Game: The VIP Challenge.

With its blend of intense competition and celebrity appeal, this new spinoff is expected to attract both fans of the original Squid Game drama and viewers of reality competition shows. As the franchise continues to evolve, Netflix remains committed to expanding the universe of Squid Game through innovative formats and new storytelling angles.