Squid Game Season 2 Star Reveals Thoughts on Thanos Character’s Shocking Death: “I Was Actually Very Thankful”

Squid Game star Choi Seung-hyun, popularly known as T. O.P, has shared his thoughts on the shocking death of his character, Thanos, in the highly anticipated second season’s penultimate episode, “O X.”Season 2 has introduced a myriad of new contestants along with a few familiar faces, positioning Thanos as an amateur rapper drawn to the deadly game to settle his debts. His unique personality and entertaining antics, including spontaneous dance breaks, swiftly made him a favorite among fans. However, despite his earlier triumphs in the games, Thanos met a grim fate during a violent encounter in the men’s restroom.

In an exclusive interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Choi expressed surprise yet gratitude regarding Thanos’ untimely demise. He remarked that the character’s dangerous nature, coupled with his drug influence, made his end feel appropriate. Upon reading the script’s death scene, Choi appreciated the unexpected timing, adding depth and intensity to the narrative as the season neared its conclusion.

Thanos is someone who is under the influence of drugs. He’s a dangerous character. So when I first read how he dies in the script, I honestly thought that it was about time. I thought his death was quite timely, and I also thought he deserved to die.

I was also actually very thankful to the director and the team, because they portrayed Thanos’ death at a very random time in the story. That made it that much more impactful.

What Makes Thanos’ Early Death Significant Ahead of Season 3?

The Stakes Are Real: No One Is Safe!

The unexpected and early demise of Thanos left many fans stunned, reinforcing the show’s overarching theme of peril where any character can fall at any moment. Choi aligns with this sentiment, recognizing that viewers likely assumed the boisterous Thanos would have endured longer in the competition. His downfall is starkly tied to his behavior, particularly his continuous provocation of Myung-gi (Player 333).Shortly after Thanos’s departure, another pivotal character, Jung-bae, Gi-hun’s close friend, also meets a tragic end, creating ripples of emotional turmoil for the returning champion in the forthcoming episodes.

This moment heralds a tonal evolution for the series as it gears up for Season 3. Thanos, who provided comic relief throughout Season 2, helped to alleviate some of the tension but will leave a noticeable void. As teased by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and the cast, the upcoming season promises to delve darker into the human psyche, indicating more character deaths and escalating confrontations, particularly with Gi-hun and the foreboding Front Man.

Our Perspective on Thanos’ Demise

Commending the Creator for Bold Storytelling

Thanos plays Jegi in Squid Game season 2

Like many viewers, I was taken aback by Thanos’s sudden death. While I had hoped for more screen time with him, I commend the creators for daring to take such bold narrative risks. Thanos epitomized entertainment; his unique and vibrant persona infused new life into the game. Yet, Hwang’s intention goes beyond mere entertainment—he aims to deliver poignant social commentary, with Thanos embodying elements of tragedy.

Ultimately, Season 2 has showcased Choi’s impressive return to acting, illustrating the dedication he devoted to crafting this distinctive character, right down to his memorable look inspired by the MCU. Regardless of audience preference for Thanos, his demise serves as a crucial reminder that no player is secure within the Squid Game universe, leaving us anticipating the series conclusion with bated breath.

Mark your calendars: Squid Game Season 3 is set to premiere its final episodes on June 27, 2025.

Source: Netflix

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