The terrifying games from Netflix's global phenomenon Squid Game have come to British soil in a shocking new reality adaptation. Squid Game: The Challenge has been secretly filming at multiple locations across the UK, bringing the deadly competition to life without the actual fatalities.
London's Underground Secrets
Production crews transformed parts of the capital into the nightmarish playground featured in the hit series. One particularly eerie location was the abandoned Strand Tube station, which provided the perfect backdrop for the show's dystopian aesthetic. The historic station, closed since 1994, offered production designers ready-made atmospheric settings that required minimal alteration to achieve the show's distinctive look.
Massive Studio Transformations
Beyond London, the production took over enormous sound stages at Cardington Studios in Bedfordshire. These massive hangars, originally built for airships in the early 20th century, provided the space needed to recreate the iconic dormitory sets and larger game arenas that viewers will recognise from the original drama.
Military Precision for Game Production
Additional filming occurred at former military bases, including Whittington Barracks in Staffordshire. The secure, private locations allowed producers to maintain secrecy while constructing the elaborate sets required for the high-stakes competition. Contestants were reportedly housed and monitored throughout production to prevent leaks about the show's outcome.
The UK locations offered several advantages for producers, including experienced crew members, favourable tax incentives, and diverse locations that could stand in for various international settings. The choice to film primarily in Britain marks another major production coup for the UK's thriving film and television industry.
With 456 contestants competing for a record-breaking $4.56 million prize, the reality adaptation promises to deliver the same nerve-shredding tension as the original series, albeit with psychological rather than physical consequences for elimination.
