Netflix Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 'Squid Game: The VIP Challenge'

From a former NBA star to a Spice Girl, the new spin-off features a diverse cast of celebrities facing off in the hit show's deadly games.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Netflix is launching a new unscripted spin-off series of its hit K-drama 'Squid Game', titled 'Squid Game: The VIP Challenge'. The series will feature eight celebrities, including former Spice Girl Mel B, YouTuber Hannah Godwin, and NBA player Tristan Thompson, competing in the show's deadly children's games. Unlike the original series, no one will be killed for losing, but they will be eliminated from the competition. The series will also feature Viper, the fan-voted winner of 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Season 2, as a non-celebrity participant.

Why it matters

The new 'Squid Game' spin-off taps into the massive popularity of the original series, which became a global phenomenon when it debuted on Netflix in 2021. By featuring a cast of well-known celebrities, the spin-off aims to further expand the 'Squid Game' universe and attract an even wider audience. The inclusion of Viper, a previous contestant, also helps to bridge the gap between the fictional world of the show and the real-world fan experience.

The details

The 'Squid Game: The VIP Challenge' will see the celebrity contestants 'step into the high stakes game and put their wit, strategy and skillset to the ultimate test.' The format will be similar to the original series, with the celebrities playing the role of the VIPs who watched the bloody battles from above and bet on the participants' lives. However, in this spin-off, the celebrities will simply be eliminated from the competition if they lose a challenge, rather than being killed.

  • The new spin-off series is set to debut on Netflix 'very soon'.
  • Season 2 of 'Squid Game: The Challenge', which featured the fan-voted winner Viper, is currently being filmed.

The players

Mel B

A former member of the Spice Girls, Mel B is known for her outspoken personality and reality TV experience, having judged shows like America's Got Talent and The X Factor.

Dylan Efron

The younger brother of actor Zac Efron, Dylan Efron gained his own fame as the winner of the US version of 'Traitors' in 2023.

Hannah Godwin

A YouTuber and model who previously starred in Season 23 of 'The Bachelor', where she met her husband, Dylan Barbour.

Kim Zolciak

A reality TV star known for her appearances on 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'.

Viper

The fan-voted winner of 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Season 2, who will be the only non-celebrity participant in the new spin-off series.

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What they’re saying

“Squid games are about to get REALLY Scary !! Yes that's right it's gonna ME behind the mask and out to ink everyone in Squid Games VIP challenge – watch it if you dare!!”

— Mel B (Instagram)

“Power. Pressure. And a front-row seat to chaos. I'm excited to share that I'm joining Squid Game: The VIP Challenge as a VIP, coming soon to Netflix.”

— Kim Zolciak (Social Media)

What’s next

Fans will have to wait for Netflix to announce the official release date for 'Squid Game: The VIP Challenge', but the streaming platform has confirmed the series will be arriving 'very soon'.

The takeaway

The new 'Squid Game' spin-off featuring a star-studded cast of celebrities demonstrates the franchise's continued popularity and Netflix's efforts to expand the universe in creative ways, blending reality TV elements with the high-stakes drama of the original series.