Netflix Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged ‘Squid Game’ Plagiarism

Netflix’s blockbuster hit “Squid Game” has garnered global acclaim since its release, but a recent lawsuit challenges its originality. Soham Shah, the creator of the 2009 Hindi film “Luck,” alleges that the series, which became Netflix’s most-watched show, blatantly copied the storyline from his movie.

According to Shah’s lawsuit, the premise of “Luck” centers around a group of financially desperate individuals who participate in a series of competitive games with the hope of winning substantial rewards. However, they soon discover that failure in any challenge results in death, a chilling twist that also escalates the potential winnings for the survivors. This narrative, Shah argues, is strikingly similar to the plot of “Squid Game,” where contestants face deadly games, with wealthy spectators wagering on the outcomes.

The coincidence doesn’t end there. Shah claims he penned the “Luck” story as early as 2006, with the movie making its debut in theaters worldwide in 2009. Intriguingly, “Squid Game” writer Hwang Dong-hyuk, who is also named in the lawsuit, asserted that he first conceptualized his story in the same year. Shah believes that Hwang and Netflix had access to “Luck” due to its extensive advertising and international release, leading to the production of “Squid Game” nearly a decade later.

The lawsuit seeks to halt Netflix from further alleged infringements and demands compensation for Shah, noting the substantial financial gain “Squid Game” brought to Netflix—reportedly increasing the company’s market value by over $900 million.

As of now, Netflix has yet to respond to requests for comment on this legal development. The lawsuit unfolds a compelling narrative of alleged intellectual property infringement between two entertainment giants, spotlighting the intricate intersections of inspiration and originality in the film industry.