Why Squid Game Season 2’s Rapper is Named After Marvel’s Thanos

Squid Game Season 2 has taken the world by storm, introducing a host of new characters in its deadly competition. One standout is a rapper named Thanos, whose name and persona pay homage to Marvel’s iconic villain.

The show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, recently explained why this polarizing character was designed with such a global connection in mind.

Why Is He Named Thanos?

Thanos, the rapper, sports purple hair and nails painted to mimic the Infinity Stones, making his inspiration clear. Hwang Dong-hyuk shared with Netflix that the decision to name the character after the Marvel villain was deliberate:

“The reason I named the character Thanos… It doesn’t really suit a rapper as a name, was to design him to be a character fans worldwide could love. But I am so grateful he is getting this much love.”

Thanos brings a chaotic energy to Squid Game Season 2, shaking up the competition and introducing a new type of antagonist. His unpredictable personality adds tension to the series, making him a standout in a cast already filled with memorable characters.

Thanos’ Role in Season 2

Thanos plays a pivotal role as an antagonist, creating turmoil for other players. His brash and chaotic presence contrasts sharply with the characters from Season 1, giving the new season a fresh dynamic.

As the season progresses, Thanos’ actions lead to significant developments that set the stage for Squid Game Season 3. While his departure leaves a void, it also signals a darker, more intense direction for the series as it heads toward its conclusion.

The Backlash and Controversy

Thanos’ character has not been without controversy. Actor Choi Seung-hyun, who portrays the rapper, faced a marijuana scandal in 2017 that led to a nine-year hiatus from the entertainment industry. Hwang addressed this in an interview with People:

“As you may know, the actor Seung-hyun, about nine years ago got involved in a marijuana scandal in Korea and wasn’t able to do any projects for the past nine years in Korea. And so this is a comeback after quite a long hiatus.”

Hwang praised Choi’s bravery in taking on a role that parallels some of his real-life struggles:

“I feel that it took him a lot of guts… to portray a character, especially someone who shares a lot of similarities that are quite negative to him as a person too. Despite the long hiatus, I have to say, as a director, he performed very impressively and I’m very satisfied with what he did with the character.”

A Unique Addition to Squid Game

Thanos has undeniably left an impression on fans and critics alike. While his character has sparked debate, his inclusion has added depth and unpredictability to the show.

As Squid Game prepares for its third season, viewers are left wondering how the series will evolve without this divisive yet captivating figure.