Where Was ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Filmed?

The global phenomenon that is ‘Squid Game’ took a thrilling turn with ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ bringing the high-stakes games to real contestants for a massive cash prize. While the show perfectly replicates the dystopian aesthetic of the original Korean drama, you might be wondering where all this intense competition actually took place. Forget South Korea; the production set up shop in the UK, transforming massive studios into the show’s signature eerie world. Let’s uncover the real locations behind the games!

Wharf Studios, Barking, East London: The Dystopian Dorms

The majority of “Squid Game: The Challenge” was filmed at Wharf Studios in Barking, East London. This sprawling 10-acre facility boasts six large, interconnected soundstages that were masterfully transformed to mirror the show’s iconic look. Here, the dystopian dormitories, mind-bending geometric corridors, and the unforgettable piggy bank set piece were brought to life.

Filming took place over 16 intense days in 2023. To heighten the psychological pressure, contestants lived within the sets under strict lockdown, forbidden from leaving unless eliminated – mirroring the isolation of the original series. The production chose London for its experienced workforce and favorable tax incentives. While the studio itself isn’t open to the public, the Barking area offers pleasant spring and early autumn weather for exploration. Getting around is easy via the Overground, buses, or ride-share services.

Cardington Studios, Bedford: The ‘Red Light, Green Light’ Arena

For the show’s most massive challenges, production moved to Cardington Studios in Bedford, about an hour north of London. This location is famous for its two enormous aircraft hangars, originally built in the 1920s and 1930s. These colossal spaces, holding the title for the largest indoor areas in Europe, were essential for recreating the iconic ‘Red Light, Green Light’ game.

These historic hangars have a serious Hollywood pedigree, having hosted blockbusters like ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘Inception.’ For ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ their sheer size was crucial for accommodating hundreds of contestants simultaneously. While the studios are closed to the public, the charming town of Bedford offers attractions like the historic Castle Mound and Priory Country Park. The best time to visit the region is late spring or early autumn.

Is ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Scripted?

Unlike the fictional drama, ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ is a genuine reality competition. Contestants are real people, and eliminations are based solely on performance. However, the environment was carefully engineered. Production designer Mathieu Weekes used strict lighting controls and blacked-out spaces, like the stairwell to the glass bridge, to disorient players and amplify the fear of the unknown, ensuring very real reactions.

Do Contestants Get Paid?

In true ‘Squid Game’ fashion, the reality competition follows a ‘winner-takes-all’ format. Contracts explicitly stated that only the single winner receives the $4.56 million prize. Participants received no appearance fees or stipends, though Netflix covered travel and accommodation to the UK studios. As one contestant confirmed on TikTok, many walked away with ‘literally zero’ – a brutal, yet fitting, twist.