Is Squid Game inspired by As The Gods Will? Controversy Explained

Netflix's Squid Game became a global hit since its release, captivating viewers with its unpredictable storylines, striking graphics, and highlighting social inequality. After a jaw-dropping finale of Squid Game Season 2, viewers are eagerly waiting for the third installment. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted at a release later this year.

However, the Korean series has been accused of plagiarism by viewers. Many found similarities with the 2014 Japanese horror film 'As The Gods Will' directed by Takashi Miike. A bit similar in the setup, the Japanese horror movie delves into the story of high school students who are forced to play deadly childhood games. Earlier, viewers also found striking similarities between Squid Game with Battle Royale (2000) and Hunger Games (2012).

Here's a breakdown of the controversy and why the accusations may not be entirely right.

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Is Squid Game inspired by As The Gods Will?

The controversy began when viewers noticed similarities between Squid Game and As The Gods Will, a 2014 Japanese horror movie. Both the series and the movie feature the cast playing deadly games, with the loser being not just eliminated but killed. Interestingly, the first game in Squid Game 'Red Light, Green Light' and the film 'Daruma-san ga koronda' has similar visuals.

However, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has rubbished all claims of being inspired by the Japanese movie. He mentioned that he had been working on the script since 2008 well before the release of the Japanese film.

In a press conference with Daily Mail UK, he insisted,

"I did it first. It is true that (the first game) is similar, but after that, there aren't any similarities. I worked on (Squid Game) in 2008 and 2009, and at the time, the first game (had already been) fixed as 'Red Light Green Light'

The first game in Squid Game showed a vast doll overlooking a playground filled with players who are shot down if they move while the doll's head is turned towards them. While the doll sings mu-gung-hwa-kko-chi pi-oet-sum-ni-da, the players move towards the finish line when the light is green. As soon as the light turns red, if the doll spots the player moving, he/she is killed.

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Similar Concept But Different Setting: Squid Game vs As The Gods Will

The idea of deadly games in a movie or series is not a new concept, there have been shows like Hunger Games, Alice in Borderland, and Battle Royale, explore similar issues. Even if Squid Game and As the Gods Will share similar elements their storyline is different.

Squid Game delves into the social inequality spectrum it shows participants as adults who have been prey to societal circumstances. The games are developed by a group of wealthy elites who seemingly do not care for the lives of the poor and oppressed. While As the Gods Will focuses on high school students who are forced to participate in games organized by supernatural deities.

Even if there might be some similarities in the visuals of the game, Squid Game reflects societal divisions and inequality while As the Gods Will focuses on fantasy and chaos.

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Director Soham Shah accused Netflix's Squid Game of copying his 2009 film Luck

In a turn of events, while viewers found Squid Game similar to As The Gods Will, an Indian filmmaker Soham Shah has accused Netflix and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk of copying the Squid Games concept from his 2009 film Luck.

However, Netflix has denied all the claims, stating

'This claim has no merit. Squid Game was created and written by Hwang Dong Hyuk and we intend to defend this matter vigorously'

As per the reports by TMZ, Shah claimed that he wrote the story around 2006, and in July 2009 the film was released worldwide in theatres across India, the US, UAE, and the UK.

Stay tuned to Soapcentral for more updates.