Squid Game Season 2 has introduced audiences to the colorful and controversial character of Thanos, portrayed by Choi Seung-hyun, known to many as T.O.P, from the K-pop group Bigbang. Fans and critics alike have found Thanos to be one of the most intriguing characters introduced this season, blending humor and chaos within the dark narrative of the series.
Thanos, with his distinctive purple hair and vibrant personality, quickly becomes one of the central antagonists, drawing comparisons to the iconic Marvel character from whom he takes his name. His introduction brings fresh chaos to the deadly children's games, and he quickly establishes himself as a charismatic but ruthless presence who delights in the peril of others.
Interestingly, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, chose to kill off Thanos rather abruptly. "I believe it was the right time to see him off. Although I will admit, I do think the death was sudden. It was very intense, which was the right way at just the right time for him to go," Hwang stated during an interview. This decision shocked viewers, especially considering Thanos’ significant presence throughout the season, making his untimely demise feel both jarring and impactful.
Adding complexity to Thanos’ characterization is his eccentric use of English at seemingly random times. This quirk can be confusing to viewers, but it ties deeply to his musical background as a rapper. Throughout Season 2, Thanos engages with his fellow competitors, switching between Korean and English as he raps or interacts. This blend enhances his character, providing humor and creating moments of levity amid the show's darker themes.
Many viewers have speculated about this characteristic, with some questioning whether the other players can understand him. The use of English by Thanos serves multiple purposes within the narrative, reflecting the integration of hip-hop culture and parodying the genre’s archetypes. This comedic layer makes Thanos not just another harsh villain but also someone the audience can root for, if only for his outrageous antics.
Hwang's acknowledgment of Thanos as one of his favorite characters adds weight to the performance T.O.P delivers. T.O.P shared insights on his approach to the role, stating, "Since I’m a rapper myself, I tried to deliver the lines as naturally as possible... My personal goal was to show the viewers a character they hadn’t seen before — someone who is mysterious and unpredictable and with a couple of loose screws." This intention behind Thanos adds depth and complexity, reflecting T.O.P's own experiences and artistry.
Choi Seung-hyun, before his role as Thanos, had faced significant scrutiny and setbacks due to his past involvement with substance abuse. The parallels between Thanos and T.O.P's real life have raised eyebrows, as Thanos is shown consuming drugs within the game. Hwang Dong-hyuk commented on this, stating, "I feel it took him a lot of guts to portray a character, especially someone who shares several similarities... quite negative to him as a person too." This admission highlights the bravery it takes for actors to step outside their comfort zones, especially when their characters reflect real struggles.
Overall, the character of Thanos serves as more than just a villain; he is the embodiment of chaos and unpredictability—qualities often associated with K-hip-hop stars. With his rapid ascent to fame and subsequent fall from grace paralleling the storyline of Squid Game, it’s clear T.O.P has created something compelling and memorable. His quick demise might mark the end of Thanos on screen, but his impact resonates throughout the season.
While Squid Game’s daring narrative choices continue to capture audiences, the performance of T.O.P as Thanos invigorates the storyline with humor and potential for future exploration. With Thanos’ abrupt exit, viewers are left to ponder the lasting imprint he will leave on the show as the remaining characters navigate the brutal challenges still to come.