The Alice in Borderland series, based on the Japanese manga by Haro Aso, is known for its unique blend of sci-fi, psychological thriller, and survival elements. The production of this series on Netflix has several interesting behind-the-scenes details and secrets that fans may find fascinating. Here’s a look at some of those production secrets:

1. The Series’ Origin:

Alice in Borderland is based on the manga Imawa no Kuni no Arisu by Haro Aso, which was first serialized in 2010. The Netflix adaptation began in 2020 and quickly gained international popularity. One secret about the development of the show is how the creators carefully adapted the manga’s complex themes to a more global audience while retaining its Japanese essence.

2. Filming Locations:

The series is set in a dystopian version of Tokyo, but much of the show’s action takes place in actual locations around the city, including Shibuya and other iconic spots in Tokyo. However, some areas are modified through CGI to create the desolate and apocalyptic look of the world. Filming also took place in various locations outside of Japan, including studio sets for certain action sequences.

3. The Iconic Shibuya Crossing:

The opening scenes of Alice in Borderland, where Arisu and his friends find themselves suddenly in an empty Shibuya Crossing, were particularly difficult to film. To create this scene, the production team had to close off the busy crossing during off-hours and digitally erase pedestrians and traffic to make it look deserted. They used a combination of CGI and practical effects to make it seem like the characters are the only ones in the city.

4. Intense Action and Stunts:

• The series features a lot of high-stakes action sequences, including fights, chase scenes, and intense survival games. The stunt team worked tirelessly to make sure the action was believable while maintaining the safety of the cast. For example, some of the fight scenes, especially the ones featuring characters like Arisu (played by Kento Yamazaki) and Usagi (played by Tao Tsuchiya), involved rigorous training and practice to ensure the stunts were executed properly.
• One memorable stunt involves a character getting attacked by a powerful force, this scene used precise choreography and several takes to make sure it was both realistic and safe.

5. Visual Effects (VFX) and CGI:

Given that Alice in Borderland is a dystopian thriller, the series relies heavily on visual effects to create the post-apocalyptic setting and intense game arenas. For instance, the large digital screens showing the countdowns for each game are created through CGI, and the various “borderland” environments, like the game arenas or deserted streets, are often enhanced using digital manipulation.

6. Costume Design:

The characters in Alice in Borderland wear simple yet functional clothing that reflects the survival aspect of the show. The costumes were designed to be practical for the characters, with some pieces getting subtle modifications depending on the situation or game they were involved in. For example, Arisu’s iconic jacket and sneakers are practical for running and fighting, which is essential in this action-packed series.

7. Game Concept and Production:

The survival games in Alice in Borderland are not only central to the plot but also a key challenge in the production. Each game scene is meticulously planned and choreographed, often involving elaborate sets and props. The creators wanted to balance tension, strategy, and psychology within the games. They often used real actors in dangerous situations, where the mental aspects of the games play a large role, which was tricky to film from both a narrative and technical standpoint.

8. Psychological and Philosophical Themes:

One of the subtle aspects of the production is how deeply the show explores the psychological and philosophical challenges faced by its characters. While much of the action and thrill can be seen as the main draw of the series, the narrative’s psychological undertones about life, survival, and human nature are woven into every game and decision. This depth required careful scriptwriting and direction to stay true to the original manga while also catering to a broad audience.

9. Casting and Character Chemistry:

• The casting of Alice in Borderland was carefully done to ensure the characters had a believable chemistry. Kento Yamazaki (Arisu) and Tao Tsuchiya (Usagi) were both selected for their ability to portray complex, multi-layered characters. Their strong performances contribute to the emotional depth of the show, which complements the intense action and plot twists.
• Some of the supporting cast, like Nijiro Murakami (Chishiya) and Ayaka Miyoshi (Ann), were also chosen for their ability to add psychological depth and intrigue to their characters, all of whom have their own complex motivations.

10. Sound Design and Music:

• The soundtrack of Alice in Borderland plays a major role in setting the tone of the show. The music, composed by Yugo Kanno, blends electronic, orchestral, and atmospheric elements to match the tense and unpredictable nature of the series. Sound design also plays an essential role, with soundscapes carefully crafted to enhance the feeling of isolation and danger that pervades the series.
• The use of sound during the game sequences is particularly important in building suspense and heightening the stakes of each round.

11. Season 2’s Higher Stakes:

After the success of the first season, Alice in Borderland was quickly renewed for a second season. One of the “secrets” behind the production of Season 2 was that the stakes had to be raised. The team focused on bigger, more complex games and emotional storylines. They also increased the scale of the production to provide a more visually stunning experience with larger set pieces and more sophisticated special effects.

12. The Manga’s Influence on the Show’s Tone:

While adapting the manga, the creators wanted to remain true to the tone of the source material, which blends survival horror, mystery, and psychological drama. This included making sure the twists and character arcs aligned with what fans of the manga might expect. However, they also had to make some adjustments to fit a global audience, including changes to some plot details and pacing to better suit Netflix’s viewing style.

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These behind-the-scenes production details shed light on the immense effort, creativity, and technical skill that went into making Alice in Borderland such a thrilling, visually stunning series. The show’s popularity and success can be attributed to its detailed world-building, clever storytelling, and seamless blend of psychological drama and survival action.