When “Squid Game” premiered in 2021, it didn’t just succeed – it exploded into a global phenomenon overnight. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the Korean drama hooked the world with its dark, satirical premise: financially desperate individuals risking their lives in a deadly tournament of children’s games for a life-changing fortune. Its mix of social commentary and shocking twists quickly secured its spot as one of the most-watched shows in Netflix history. Capitalizing on that massive success, the streamer reimagined the concept for the real world with “Squid Game: The Challenge.”
While the aesthetic mirrors the original drama’s dystopian vibe, there is one crucial difference: the stakes aren’t lethal. However, the competition remains incredibly fierce. The reality series pits 456 real contestants against one another on massive, true-to-life sets, all vying for a record-breaking $4.56 million prize pot. The production’s uncanny reproduction of the on-screen universe has left many fans asking the same question: Where exactly was “Squid Game: The Challenge” filmed?
Is ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Scripted?
With its cinematic visuals and high tension, it is easy to assume that “Squid Game: The Challenge” is just as scripted as the drama that inspired it. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. While the original 2021 series was a work of pure fiction featuring actors and staged violence, this spinoff is a legitimate reality competition. The contestants are real people, the outcomes are unscripted and the eliminations are based entirely on performance in the games.
That said, “unscripted” doesn’t mean the environment wasn’t carefully manipulated. To capture that authentic dystopian tension, the show was heavily produced using massive sound stages. According to Radio Times, production designer Mathieu Weekes and his team used visual tricks to disorient the players. By strictly controlling the lighting, they ensured contestants couldn’t gauge the size of the rooms or the height of the structures.
“We were really strict with the lighting levels and blacking everything out,” Weekes explained regarding the glass bridge challenge. “Even the stairwell to get to the bridge was blacked out, so the contestants had no idea how far up they were, to tap into the fear of the unknown fully.” While the contestants aren’t following a script, the terrifying world they are navigating is carefully engineered to provoke very real reactions.
Are ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Contestants Paid?
With 456 people pausing their lives to compete for that massive $4.56 million pot, it’s natural to wonder: Do they get a paycheck just for participating? According to reports from The Independent and The Tab, the answer is a harsh no. Contracts for the show explicitly stated that only the lone winner would take home any cash. There were no appearance fees, daily stipends or wages for their time on set. However, Netflix covered the cost of travel and accommodation to bring the players to the UK studios.
One participant, known as Player 352, took to TikTok to confirm the “winner-takes-all” reality. She emphasized that despite the unforgettable experience, she walked away with absolutely nothing: “Zero. Zero GBP, zero USD, zero rupees, zero Yuan, zero Pesos. Zero. Literally zero!”
It is a brutal setup, but it stays true to the spirit of the original “Squid Game” drama. There is only one prize for one survivor. The only major difference? In “The Challenge,” the losers just go home empty-handed rather than facing a firing squad.
Some Filming Was Done At Wharf Studios in Barking, East London
Key Scenes: The majority of “Squid Game: The Challenge” was actually filmed in East London at The Wharf Studios in Barking, per The Tab. This ten-acre facility has six large and interconnected soundstages, which were used to recreate the larger-than-life environment from the original Netflix series. The dystopian dormitories, geometric corridors and the piggy bank set piece were all captured here.
Best Time to Visit: Although this studio is not available to the public, fans of the series can visit the area. Typically, the best times to visit Barking are in the spring or early autumn. This is when the weather is at its most pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Transportation Options: Travelers looking to get around Barking have several options, including the Barking Riverside Overground Station. This is the eastern end of the line and the closest major rail link. There are various bus routes to take for local and cross-borough connections. Alternatively, travelers can use ride-share services for more convenient (although pricier) transportation.
The primary filming location for “Squid Game: The Challenge” was Wharf Studios, a massive 200,000-square-foot facility situated on the river in Barking, London. This industrial complex was utterly transformed into an immersive environment that perfectly replicated the original show’s candy-colored but eerie aesthetic.
According to TV Studio History, filming took place here over approximately 16 intense days in 2023. During that time, the experience was total lockdown: contestants lived within the sets and were forbidden from leaving the premises unless they were eliminated. This strict confinement successfully heightened the sense of isolation and psychological pressure, much like in the fictional version.
You might wonder why a show based on a Korean drama wasn’t filmed in South Korea. The production chose London primarily for the UK’s experienced production workforce and favorable tax incentives for high-budget projects. While the studio appears to be a standard industrial site from the outside, the interior houses one of the most visually striking and ambitious set builds in reality TV history. While you likely can’t get inside, curious fans can still visit the Barking area to see the exterior of where the games went down.
Things to Do: Just a 15-minute drive from the studio location, Jubilee Park is a local favorite. It’s a highly-rated green space featuring scenic footpaths and water features – perfect for a relaxing stroll to shake off those dystopian vibes. If you want to swap industrial views for something more spectacular, head toward central London to visit The Shard. It offers a breathtaking, 40-mile panoramic view of the city.
Where to Eat: Close to the studios is the River Restaurant, which is a high-end Romanian spot well worth the visit. Then there is the more casual and affordable option, Greedy Panda (Barking), which is a relatively small but busy location. Guests have their choice between some popular Chinese entree choices like fried rice, crispy chicken wings and more.
Where to Stay: For budget travelers, the ibis London Barking is a great option. This hotel is only a 15-minute walk from the tube station and offers some comfortable rooms. There is also the Hyatt Regency London Stratford, located approximately a 20-minute drive away. This centrally located accommodation is an excellent choice for adventurous travelers who want to explore the area.
Visit The Nearby Cardington Studios In Bedford
Key Scenes: For specific large-scale challenges, a different filming location was required, according to The Mirror. Production relocated to Cardington Studios in Bedford, approximately an hour North of London. The “Red Light, Green Light” scenes were filmed here, in the two enormous aircraft hangars which were built in the 1920s and 1930s.
Best Time to Visit: Although this studio location is not publicly available, fans of the series can explore local attractions while in town. Generally, the best time to visit is considered to be late spring and early autumn. These time periods offer some of the best weather for outdoor activities. For fewer crowds, it is best to do most of your sightseeing during weekdays.
Transportation Options: Cardington Studios is located near the town of Bedford, which offers various transportation options. There are bus services and taxis, but given that the United Kingdom is considered relatively easy to get around, many people walk or cycle.
Initially built for airship construction, Cardington Studios has been converted into a fully operational film studio. It currently holds the title for the largest indoor space in Europe, featuring a staggering 100,000-square-foot hangar. As reported by The Mirror, this location has a serious Hollywood pedigree. Before the “Squid Game” contestants arrived in their tracksuits, these massive hangars hosted blockbusters like “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” “Rogue One,” and “Dumbo.”
For “The Challenge,” that sheer size was essential. The production needed immense space to accommodate hundreds of contestants simultaneously, likely for the massive “Red Light, Green Light” arena. While you unfortunately cannot tour the studio itself or see any leftover props (it is a closed set), the surrounding area of Bedford is stunning, charming and well worth a visit if you are in the region.
Things to Do: Exploring the historic and cultural attractions around Bedford is a great way to discover the area. One of the most popular places to visit is the Bedford Castle Mound, a former 11th-century castle which was destroyed in a siege. It is now a ruin site that is nice to walk around. Then there is Priory Country Park, a popular wildlife walk area that has 300 acres of lakes, grasslands and woods.
Where to Eat: Bedford offers a range of intriguing eatery options that showcase the UK’s ethnic and cultural diversity. The Roca Restaurant & Lounge serves fusion cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. The steak and cocktails are among the most popular things to order there. Another option is La Terrazza Bedford, an Italian restaurant well-known for its lovely atmosphere and excellent service.
Where to Stay: Bedford offers a range of accommodation options, including The Kingfisher Bedford, a riverside hotel with historic charm. The railway station nearby even offers direct services to London, a convenient perk for travelers. Then there is the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel, an option that provides a central location and incredible views for a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mai Whelan now?
The ultimate survivor of the debut season of “Squid Game: The Challenge” was Mai Whelan, a Vietnamese-American Navy veteran based in Virginia. Since securing the historic victory, Mai has kept a relatively low profile, avoiding the typical reality TV influencer route. Instead, she has focused on giving back. According to The Mirror, Mai has chosen to use her platform for philanthropy. She recently launched a YouTube channel and has been traveling the world to highlight various non-profit organizations making a difference. As for her day-to-day life? She is reportedly enjoying a peaceful, well-earned retirement in the U.S. alongside her husband and their dogs.
How many episodes does “Squid Game: The Challenge” have?
The series keeps it relatively short and sweet, with season one having 10 episodes and the second season having nine.
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