Corbin native Jane Davis is among 456 contestants competing on Netflix’s hit reality series Squid Game: The Challenge, Season Two, with the hopes of winning $4.56 million.
For those unfamiliar with the show, it is a real-life adaptation of Squid Game, in which contestants from around the world compete in a series of children’s games, and the last person standing is declared the winner.
The competition operates as an elimination game, featuring contestants dressed in green jackets and pants, while pink guards oversee the rules.
Alliances are formed, and trust is often tested.
Davis watched Season One of Squid Game: The Challenge with her family, and her eight-year-old daughter, Stella, pointed out that they were casting for Season Two.
“My daughter said, ‘Mom, you should try out.’ And I thought, really? You think I could?” Davis said.
Davis recorded an audition video, and a few months later, she received a call from Los Angeles, California. On the other end, the casting director expressed interest in having her participate in the show.
Shortly after, she joined a Zoom call with a panel of directors, who informed her they were looking for authenticity and wanted her personality to shine through.
Davis was born in Bell County and moved to Corbin shortly after, where she graduated from Lynn Camp High School. She then attended Eastern Kentucky University for her undergrad and master’s degrees, lived in Lexington for 13 years, and moved to Cincinnati nine years ago.
She is now a full-time pharmaceutical rep and teaches a part-time sales class at the University of Cincinnati.
She frequently returns to Corbin for the holidays.
“I think some of my best memories are from growing up in a small town. You make your own fun,” said Davis. “We didn’t have cell phones. So, we got out, we explored, we played in creeks, we played in the woods.”
Davis answered about 100 questions, underwent an hour-and-a-half psychological exam, and completed a medical physical exam.
“It was a long journey, and then finally, in Nov. of 2024, I found out I was officially casted on the show, and I would be traveling to London in Jan. to compete,” said Davis.
Upon reflecting on her experience, Davis credits growing up in the City of Corbin with her decision to be on the show.
“This was a wild, emotional, and unforgettable experience that pushed me far outside my comfort zone,” said Davis. “It reminded me of something I learned growing up in Corbin: you don’t have to be the loudest or the toughest. You just have to show up with heart.”
Davis ultimately wanted to inspire her daughter and show her that anything is possible.
“I wanted Stella to see that courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you do the thing anyway. And I wanted her, and every girl out there, to know that women from small towns can dream big and so bold things,” said Davis.
Viewers can find Davis on the show in episode one of season two at the timestamp 5:05, wearing number 308 on her jacket.
