Earlier this year, reports indicated that MrBeast (real name: Jimmy Donaldson) was closing in on a major US$100 million (AU$156.6 million) deal to produce a competition series for Amazon MGM Studios. This past week, after something of a litigious production, we’ve received the very first preview of the 10-episode Beast Games.
Based on his existing YouTube series of the same name, the mammoth undertaking is legitimately poised to be the biggest and richest competition series in history — even bigger than Netflix’s Squid Game gameshow: we’re talking 1,000 contestants, a sprawling custom-built arena that cost US$14 million (AU$22 million) to construct, and a staggering US$5 million (AU$7.8 million) cash grand prize.
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“MrBeast has captured the attention and imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon MGM Studios.
“We are excited to work with Jimmy and his talented team to bring his brilliant, high production, and stakes-raising concepts to Beast Games for our global customers to experience.”
Donaldson, who will juggle hosting and producing duties, added: “My goal is to make the greatest show possible and prove YouTubers and creators can succeed on other platforms. Amazon gave me the creative control I need to try and make it happen. I hope to make the YouTube community proud.”
As we’ve previously noted, this is all rather unsurprising when you consider MrBeast is the most subscribed individual and second most subscribed on YouTube (main channel: 234 million | combined: 372 million).
And who better to take on a rival streamer like Netflix than the uncrowned king of viral content who “broke the internet” by creating a real-life counterpart to Squid Game before they could? And arguably executing it better, given the lack of controversy surrounding MrBeast’s version.
“Once you know how to make a video go viral, it’s just about how to get as many out as possible. You can practically make unlimited money,” Donaldson told fellow YouTubers Colin & Samir during a viral interview surrounding his finances.
Last year, MrBeast topped Forbes’ rankings of the highest-paid content creators by pocketing a not-so-casual US$82 million (AU$128.5 million) throughout 2023.
“With more than 300 million followers, MrBeast’s fan base is nearly as large as the US population,” read Forbes’ outline of the Kansas native.
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“MrBeast’s power and popularity stem from his high production videos and stunts that include surviving in Antarctica for 50 hours and building a Wonka chocolate factory.”
“The YouTube titan, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has used his massive clout to earn a fortune in digital ad dollars — and build a real-world empire. Beast-based brands include Feastables snack bars and the MrBeast Burgers restaurant chain, plus Donaldson’s sprawling merch line.”
Amazon Prime Video’s Beast Games hosted by MrBeast himself arrives later this month on December 19th, 2024.
Check out everything else coming to the streaming platform and more below:
