Award-winning director Steven Spielberg praises Netflix's "Squid Game" for positively changing the film and television industry.
The "West Side Story" director was impressed by how the Korean series took the world by storm as it raked global recognitions and more.
Hollywood Director Steven Spielberg Talks About the 'Squid Game' Craze
During his appearance at the Producers Guild Awards, Deadline cited how Steven Spielberg emphasized the importance of casting and went to laud "Squid Game" for acing that part.
At the gathering, the Hollywood filmmaker thanked Netflix Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos for introducing the blockbuster series to the public.
He said, "Squid Game comes along and changes the math entirely for all of us. Thank you, Ted."
In addition, the award-winning director also highlighted how the Netflix series paid attention to casting not just the biggest names in the industry but also "unknown people."
"A long time ago, it was domestic stars that brought the audience into movies," he explained, adding, "Today, it's interesting, unknown people [who] can star in entire miniseries, can be in movies."
"Squid Game" cast boasts a mix of A-listers and newbies who managed to deliver a magnificent performance.
Lee Jung Jae, who played the role of Seong Gi Hoon also known as player number 456, is a renowned actor in South Korea with a slew of recognitions under his belt.
The same goes for his fellow lead star Park Hae Soo, who played the villain Cho Sang Woo a.k.a player number 218. He is known for his blockbuster K-drama "Prison Playbook."
Interestingly, "Squid Game" was Jung Ho Yeon's first acting gig apart from solidifying her name in the modeling industry. Despite being a rookie actress, the 27-year-old beauty proves that she is more than just a pretty face but could also deliver a stellar performance.
She wowed millions of viewers when she played North Korean defector Kang Sae Byeok and successfully took home her first-ever award at the SAG Awards 2022.
Jung Ho Yeon, alongside Lee Jung Jae, won Best Female and Male Actor in a Drama Series at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
READ MORE: Will Jung Ho Yeon Appear in 'Euphoria 3'? Here's What the 'Squid Game' Star Revealed
Apart from the trio, "Squid Game" also cast veteran actor Oh Young Soo as player number 001 Oh Il Nam. He portrays a significant character in the Netflix series.
Known for playing monk roles, the 77-year-old actor made history by becoming the first actor from Korea to win Best Supporting Actor at the prestigious Golden Globe Awards.
'Squid Game' Season 2 Update: Everything You Need to Know about the Highly-Anticipated Sequel
There is no denying that "Squid Game" was one of the most successful tv shows of 2021.
The Hwang Dong Hyuk directed show became Netflix's most-watched series. It garnered over 1.2 billion hours views during its first month and eventually dubbed by the streaming giant their biggest show ever after surpassing the period drama "Bridgerton."
Interestingly, the director, alongside Netflix, officially confirmed "Squid Game" season 2.
Per Variety, Hwang Dong Hyuk also admitted that "there's been so much pressure" and "demand" to produce a second installment due to the overwhelming support from fans.
Although there were no announcements yet regarding the target release date, most likely, it will premiere on until early 2023, since the first season took two years to wrap up.
