The showrunner of Squid Game recently revealed that the VIPs are inspired by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Throughout the show's run, the VIPs were presented as the overarching antagonists. However, the characters have also been criticized for their cartoonish portrayal and bad acting, with some even saying that they are the worst part of the series.
Are the VIPs in Squid Game Inspired by Elon Musk?
In an interview with Time, Squid Game showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that Musk inspired his writing of the VIPs, especially in the third season.
"Elon Musk is everywhere these days, right? Everybody talks about him," he said.
"Not only is he the head of a huge tech company that controls the world almost, but he’s also this showman. After writing [Season 3], of course I thought, ‘Oh, some of the VIPs do kind of resemble Elon Musk.’"
Hwang also shared that his decision was inspired by the polarizing political climate in the United States.
"In the past, those that really controlled the system and maintained power, they were hidden behind the curtain, almost like this big unseen conspiracy," he explained.
"However, it’s no longer the case, especially in America. We talk a lot about oligarchy these days, but these so-called big tech owners, they step up, telling everyone who they’re backing with their money. The people who really control the power and the system, they no longer hide behind a curtain."
Hwang added, "They willingly take their masks off, almost as if to declare, ‘We’re the ones running everything. We’re the ones in control.’"
What Happened in the Final Season of Squid Game?
As expected, the third and final season of Squid Game featured more deaths, twists, and turns in the story.
Unfortunately, Gi-hun (Player 456) did not survive the events of the series, as he sacrificed himself for the baby and the destruction of the island.
However, it was also revealed that the Squid Game has gone international through the appearance of Cate Blanchett as an American recruiter.
"If Gong Yoo is the Korean Recruiter, I thought she would be the perfect fit as the American Recruiter, bringing a short but gripping and impactful ending to the story," Hwang explained Blanchett's appearance to Tudum.
It remains to be seen whether the final scene of the series is a set-up for the American version that is currently in the works.
What do you think of the VIPs being inspired by Musk? Let us know in the comments.
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