The highly anticipated release of Squid Game Season 2 has reignited discussions surrounding the casting of T.O.P, the former K-pop superstar, as the character Thanos (Player 230). The bold choice has garnered significant attention, drawing both adulation and criticism from viewers and fans alike.
T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, was once celebrated as the lead rapper of the renowned K-pop group BigBang. His transition from music to acting marks what many are seeing as his much-awaited comeback after facing serious backlash following his involvement in a marijuana scandal back in 2017.
Since the release of Squid Game Season 2, which currently sits proudly atop Netflix’s viewing charts, fans have engaged fervently with the narrative and characters, leading to numerous theories swirling around Thanos. The character is described as flamboyant, reckless, and decidedly brutish, with some viewers questioning the rationale behind T.O.P's casting.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Thanos is his connection to T.O.P's real-life controversies. The show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, defended T.O.P's role by stating, "I feel it took him a lot of guts to portray this character, particularly since it shares many negative similarities to him as a person" (reported by PEOPLE). This remark enlightened viewers about the delicate interplay between actor and character, especially since Thanos's demeanor embodies the rapper's tumultuous past.
The character Thanos finds himself embroiled in the morbid games of survival, fueled by reckless abandon and drug use—a direct nod to T.O.P's personal struggles with addiction. Many have pointed out his character's erratic behavior, from ludicrous freestyles to his overt cockiness, as reminiscent of his real-life persona.
Critics have described the portrayal as both audacious and intense, even leading fans to engage with secondary narratives—such as speculation on Thanos's family background. A significant theory arose highlighting how Thanos’s father might have also been involved with the game, leading fans to investigate his backstory. This discourse signifies the depth of engagement the audience has with the series, and it speaks volumes about the intricacies within the storyline.
While T.O.P’s performance also invites criticism, it’s interesting to note the polarity of reactions toward him. Many fans celebrated the bravado with which he approached the role. Some commentators noted, "Thanos is sociopathic, and T.O.P swiftly conveys this to viewers". This dichotomy between admiration and disdain for T.O.P as Thanos reflects broader societal norms concerning celebrity and controversy, especially surrounding issues like drug use, which many South Korean celebrities have faced severe repercussions for.
Discussions about T.O.P’s net worth have also emerged amid his acting comeback, with estimates ranging from $12 million to $40 million depending on various reports. These figures will likely continue to be debated as audiences remain engrossed both in the character of Thanos and the real-life figure behind the role.
The viewer’s relationship with Thanos serves as an illustrative microcosm for how we perceive celebrity fallout and redemption. Fans often juxtapose T.O.P's past legal troubles with his current role, evaluating whether the engaging performance overshadows previous indiscretions or merely serves as fodder for continued scrutiny.
Interestingly, Hwang Dong-hyuk has also acknowledged the irony of T.O.P’s role reflecting aspects of his life. "It took T.O.P considerable courage to take on this character after being away for so long," he stated, alluding to the complexity of the narrative and the actor's past.
With the buzz around Squid Game Season 2 still simulating conversation, T.O.P's Thanos stands out as one of the most divisive yet memorable characters this season. While fans appear split on the judgment of Thanos's character, one thing remains clear: T.O.P has successfully returned to the spotlight—even amid the chaos of external debates.
Given this backdrop of fan curiosity and divided opinions, the question remains: will T.O.P's Thanos continue to be embraced, maligned, or perhaps become notorious within the cinematic universe of Squid Game? Only time will tell, but the debate this character has sparked is likely far from over.