Squid Game is officially Netflix's biggest show of all time, a feat that surely has its creator Hwang Dong-hyuk quite satisfied. In fact, Hwang’s sense of accomplishment now allows him to trash-talk some of the best record-setters out there, even NBA legends like LeBron James, who recently starred in Space Jam 2.
Considering Squid Game's unparalleled levels of success, it’s no surprise the show has caught the eye of many prominent Hollywood figures like Simu Liu (still suffering Squid Game trauma) and high-profile athletes like James. However, it’s natural that such a massive audience comes with some criticism, as seen and heard during a Los Angeles Lakers team conference, where cameras caught King James voicing his displeasure with the show’s ending to fellow star Anthony Davis.
As it turns out, it didn’t take long for LeBron’s comments to reach Hwang’s ears, who was questioned about the subject during an extensive interview with The Guardian. Responding to James in a way that wouldn’t be out of place in any NBA court, Hwang simply told the reporter: “Have you seen Space Jam 2?” Of course, Hwang also gave a more polite response, saying he respects LeBron and is very thankful he watched the show while making clear “I wouldn’t change my ending. That’s my ending.” He then invited James to make his own show so that he too can say he liked everything but the end.
Hwang’s baller response falls in line with the stance he takes to address most of the questions and criticism towards Squid Game, a show that he fought to make for 10 years before getting his big break. For example, when answering questions about the show’s women, he says his goal had nothing to do with sexual representation but instead with a desire to transmit desperation, regardless of gender.
During the interview, Hwang also touched upon the themes of income inequality seen in Squid Game, something it shared with fellow South Korean export Parasite, explaining that his own personal misfortunes motivated him to write the show and that he's not surprised people all over the world resonated with that. For all his success, Hwang ensured people he still hasn’t made Squid Game levels of money, so maybe he has “to do season two to become as rich as Squid Game's winner” or work in an eventual Squid Game video game adaptation too.
Fortunately, Squid Game could help raise interest in South Korea’s thriving film industry, which has plenty to offer besides Bong Joon-ho’s work. Meanwhile, Space Jam 2 will continue to be scary for all the wrong reasons.
Squid Game is now available on Netflix and Space Jam 2 is now available on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: The Guardian; @kylegoon|Twitter
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