Chanute native Marlon Dewey got the chance of a lifetime after being selected to join the Netflix gameshow series “Squid Games: The Challenge” as contestant 197.
Dewey said that he applied on a whim after watching the first season of the show.
“There was a QR code at the end of it with a link to apply, and I decided, why not?” Dewey said.
The application process was relatively straightforward, according to Dewey, who said he had to film an introductory video about himself and why he wanted to be on the show. He submitted the application and after several weeks of not hearing anything, assumed that he had not been selected.
Nine months after he had submitted his application, he got a surprise phone call out of the blue saying that he had been selected.
“I had kind of pushed it out of my mind and forgotten about it to be honest,” he said.
Being selected was only the first part of the process, as Dewey had to commit to a potentially lengthy filming schedule that would be taking place in London. Serendipitously, Dewey and his wife were expecting a baby around the time and Dewey’s employer allowed him to use part of his paternity leave for filming. His wife also gave her blessing to compete for the $4.5-million-dollar grand prize.
“She told me that she would be mad if I didn’t go; it was such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Filming itself was a disorienting process for Dewey, but that is part of the design of the game show, which is supposed to mimic the drama series where players are competing literally for their lives.
“It’s fully immersive except for the outcome of course,” he said.
On arrival, any and all communication devices were taken away and were not accessible for the entire duration of filming. Dewey estimated that they filmed for over 20 hours straight on the first day.
“There’s a lot that messes with your mind, you don’t know what time it is, you don’t know if it’s night or day,” he said.
Dewey’s strategy was to fly under the radar, but not too much.
“You come out too hot and heavy, you’re immediately going to be a target to take down,” he said.
He focused on forming emotional connections and learning about his fellow contestants from around the world to potentially help him in the long run.
“I hate to sound like a bad guy, but ultimately there’s only one winner,” he said.
Dewey was tight-lipped about precisely how far he made it into the competition, but admitted he did not win the grand prize, but if offered the chance, he would compete again.
“It was quite the experience and I’d absolutely try it again,” he said.
“Squid Game: The Challenge” will premiere at midnight, Tuesday, Nov. 4 on Netflix.
