News round-up: ‘Squid Game’ creator preps S2; OSN opens Eccho’s ‘Chrysalis’; ZEE5 preps desi noir anthology

Squid Game

Squid Game creator preps S2

Squid Game director and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk has said a second season of the show is in the works.

The South Korean series, about a dystopian world in which contestants play childhood games to the death, has become a smash hit for Netflix.

The streamer said more than 140 million subscribers had watched the series for at least two minutes, as per the streamer’s viewing metric.

At a red carpet event for the show in LA, Hwang told the Associated Press that he is “in the planning phase” but added that the show’s key protagonist Gi-hun “will come back.”

“There has been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season. I almost feel like you leave us no choice! But I will say, there will indeed be a second season.”

Huang, whose comments were translated from Korean by AP, continued: “I do think it’s too early to say when and how it’s going to happen.”

Netflix did not confirm the news, but said a second season “is in discussions.”

OSN opens Eccho’s Chrysalis

Middle Eastern broadcast group OSN has acquired Turkish drama series Chrysalis from distributor Eccho Rights.

The show, which is airing its second season on Kanal D in Turkey, will be made available via OSN’s linear channels and streaming services across MENA.

“Turkish content is close to the hearts and minds of viewers throughout the Middle East and we are thrilled to add this groundbreaking series to the region’s roster of must watch shows,” said Rolla Karam, SVP of content acquisition at OSN.

ZEE5 preps desi noir anthology

Indian streamer ZEE5 Global has commissioned an original desi noir anthology series, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam from British Indian director Meenu Gaur.

Written by Farjad Nabi and Gaur, the series is set in Androon Sheher – a mythical neighborhood, and showcases stories of love, lust, power, and redemption woven in a web of betrayal, angst, and revenge.

Each story from the anthology depicts the fearlessness of women and their determination to avenge deceit.

ZEE5 Global CBO, Archana Anand, commented: “As the foremost platform for South Asian content, we cherrypick stories from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh that will not only entertain audiences but also engage them at a deeper level.

“Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam is one of those stories that’s not just about breaking stereotypes, but also creating new and powerful women characters who will be celebrated for their personalities.”