Squid Game is back and making waves with its much-anticipated second season, and among the characters audiences can't stop talking about is Thanos, played by Choi Seung-hyun, famously known as T.O.P. from the iconic K-pop group BigBang. Thanos, whose real name is Choi Su-bong, enters the deathly competition deep in debt, having lost nearly 1.19 billion won after falling victim to cryptocurrency scams.
Thanos’s character shines brightly with his vibrant purple hair and unpredictable antics, often teasing the seriousness surrounding the deadly games. Despite some viewers being irritable with his brash demeanor, many found his presence refreshing, offering much-needed comedic relief amid the show's grim themes.
Throughout the season, Thanos's behavior oscillates between erratic and endearing. He delights audiences with moments of levity, particularly when he flips back and forth between Korean and English. His switch to English, for example, when he first meets Player 125, showcases his attempt to mimic the flashy persona of many wannabe South Korean rappers. "What’s up, nice to meet you my brother, welcome to the Thanos world," he exuberantly exclaims, highlighting his outlandish personality.
Critics and fans alike are divided over T.O.P.'s portrayal of this outlandish character. The creator of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, staunchly defended his casting decision. He expressed appreciation for T.O.P.'s performance, remarking, "He performed very impressively and I’m very satisfied with what he did with the character." This support echoes the notion of Thanos being less of a traditional villain, embodying complex layers of fame, chaos, and addiction.
What truly sets Thanos apart is his backstory. Escaping the stifling pressures of his previous life as a rapper, he seeks solace with his posse within the confines of the game, resorting to drugs to cope. Despite the fray of competition, he finds small avenues of expression, whether through casual flirtations or bossing around his crew.
Still, some critics voiced how Thanos's potential as a formidable antagonist felt squandered. His violent tendencies often directed toward the former YouTuber Myung-gi—who advised the ill-fated cryptocurrency investment—lack broader narrative depth. Many believe the show could have thrived with more episodes dedicated to developing Thanos's interactions with Gi-hun, the main character, showcasing how their opposing motivations could heighten tensions.
By season's end, Thanos's fate takes a drastic turn—he is killed off during the chaos of a group conflict. His demise sets the stage for significant changes among the other contestants, yet it raises questions about the character's arc and whether there was enough buildup to justify his sudden departure from the series.
Indeed, it poses the broader inquiry of how Thanos's presence can be expanded. Future seasons could explore more on his earlier life, weaving stories surrounding the rise and fall of his rapper dreams, ventures gone awry, and how those experiences led him to his current predicament. Through this framework, the series could adeptly blend themes of morality, fame, and the struggles inherent to stardom, providing compelling character studies.
Thanos’s chaotic energy has undeniably left marks on Squid Game Season 2. While his comedic aspects have provided relief, it’s the depth of his character and the contradictions he symbolizes which lend themselves to rich discussions about modern celebrity culture. Perhaps with the third season on the horizon, audiences will see Thanos's character explore the nuances of their complex world more fully, creating engagement with viewers who reflect on the characters as much as the gripping narratives themselves.
Squid Game Season 2 is currently available on Netflix, as viewers eagerly await the next chapter to see how the story will evolve.