Disclaimer: The following article contains opinions of Squid Game fans and an analysis of those opinions.
Netflix recently confirmed a new English adaptation of Squid Game, under director David Fincher. Just when the original South Korean series was about to become a global phenomenon with its trailer's release, fans reacted on social media frustrated with this decision asking why the original cannot be seen for what it is.
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Because of the distinctive style of Fincher and the huge success of Squid Game, the show might interest a few in terms of attracting some viewers. However, the project raises some questions if foreign hits should be remade in the West.
Some fans have taken it to task as unnecessary, while others view it as part of a new wave in Hollywood of remaking foreign works for Western audiences.
Below we explore the most popular reactions from fans to the news, beginning with frustration that they cannot avoid subtitles to watch an Americanized version.
“Are people so allergic to subtitles that we need this guy to make a sub-par version of beautiful stories EVERY TIME?”
How close was @RavanneLawday's post to getting all the international film and series fans frustrated with American adaptations?
“Dude, just make another season of Mindhunter!”
Several fans, like @CinemaScene404, took this chance to urge the production of Mindhunter—another Netflix production David Fincher was associated with, and has millions of fan followers. There are several who would wish for an extension of that than the remake of Squid Game.
“No need for this, guys.”
The blunt comment of @HassamHussain15 with the thought of "this is enough already. I don't see a need for a remake. Squid Game did just that." Such opinions reflect those of most of the fans of the show and believe it does not call for any remake.
“The South Koreans created it and nailed it.”
@NjalSomeoneson feels it's a bad decision concerning the original South Korean version as the makers have Squid Game just right. Fans like him feel that an Americanized version underrates the quality of story-telling across international borders.
“Terrible decision”
@gregorianism's short comment expresses his dissatisfaction with the project and many fans share the same view of how Netflix's decision to try an English remake can dilute the original series' legacy.
Are Hollywood’s international remakes unwanted?
The reaction to the proposed American remake of Squid Game is one example of this growing frustration among fans of global media at the trend from Hollywood to remake international success stories.
Fans believe remakes typically dilute the cultural significance and emotional content of the original works.
Hwang Dong-hyuk's original Squid Game hit streaming platforms in 2021. It was an overnight success and received immense acclaim. Translating such a heavily culturally charged narrative into a story that can be perceived through a Western lens could drain the setting-specific elements.
Indeed, the success of a movie like Parasite in being the first non-English film to win Best Picture in 2019 reflects how viewers are becoming receptive to international narratives without any adaptation into English.
That changes the landscape for Hollywood; it may not just be unnecessary but also risk alienating audiences who crave true cultural experiences.
What can you expect from David Fincher’s take on Squid Game?
The presence of David Fincher in the English-language remake of Squid Game is a double-edged sword. It is exciting and makes fans and critics skeptical about the project. David Fincher is known for excellent work in the suspenseful narrative genre, as demonstrated in films like Se7en and Fight Club.
His style would give the Squid Game adaptation a new flavor, and it would be an attractive option for his long-time followers. There will be huge expectations because of his projects like Mindhunter and Mank receiving critical acclaim.
However, how it's received remains a query on whether Fincher might capture that cultural essence through his production that made it resonate all over the world. The show is steeped in the culture of Korea and puts down old children's games as the basis of placing commentaries on class differences, among others, along with the nature of morality.
Catch the original Squid Game on Netflix, and keep your fingers crossed for more news on the English version.
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