Squid Game Creator Responds To LeBron James Criticizing The End Of Season 1

NBA superstar LeBron James recently shared his thoughts on Netflix's latest sensation, Squid Game, remarking that he didn't like the ending all that much. The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk responded, saying in an interview with The Guardian that he respects James' position, but wouldn't change anything about how Squid Game ends its first season.

The video and quotes below contain spoilers for Squid Game Season 1.

"Have you seen Space Jam 2?" he asked the interviewer. "LeBron James is cool and can say what he wants. I respect that. I'm very thankful he watched the whole series. But I wouldn't change my ending. That's my ending. If he has his own ending that would satisfy him, maybe he could make his own sequel. I'll check it out and maybe send him a message saying, 'I liked your whole show, except the ending.'"

Space Jam 2 was produced by James' SpringHill Entertainment, and James himself stars in the movie in a role similar to Michael Jordan's in the original. Space Jam 2 was panned by critics. Squid Game, on the other hand, is a critical success and is Netflix's most popular series ever.

Hwang also spoke to The Guardian about how his life has changed since Squid Game was released on Netflix in the middle of September. People might assume he's now swimming in cash, but this might not be the case.

"I'm not that rich," he said. "But I do have enough. I have enough to put food on the table. And it's not like Netflix is paying me a bonus. Netflix paid me according to the original contract."

Leaked documents said Netflix paid $21.4 million to acquire Squid Game, and estimates suggest Netflix has seen a $900 million lift in total value thanks to the success of the show.

Given the immense success of Squid Game, we probably haven't seen the last of the franchise, though Netflix has yet to announce a second season or a spinoff. For more, check out GameSpot's opinion piece, "If Squid Game Season 2 Doesn't Happen, That's Fine."