‘Squid Game’ Creator Explains Why the New Character Is Called Rapper Thanos: “It doesn’t really suit a rapper as a name, it was to design him to be a character fans worldwide could love.”
The second season of Squid Game brought an intriguing new character into the spotlight: Thanos, a purple-haired rapper with a name that immediately caught the attention of Marvel fans worldwide. While his vibrant personality and quirky name stood out, the story behind his creation is just as fascinating.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk explained the reasoning behind naming the character after the famous Marvel villain. Speaking in an interview with Netflix’s YouTube channel Still Watching Netflix, Hwang revealed that the choice 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.”
By tying the character to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hwang aimed to give Thanos international appeal, making him a standout figure in the series.
Thanos, whose real name is Choi Su-bong in the show, added a unique dynamic to the season. As a rapper, he leaned into his stage persona, opting for his alias rather than using his given name or the game-assigned number 230. His purple hair and painted nails, designed to evoke the Infinity Stones, added to his eccentric personality.
Unlike the corporate and fluent English spoken by the VIPs in season one, Thanos used English in a way that underscored his vulnerability, showing a desire to connect with a global audience.
Portrayed by real-life rapper Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, Thanos marked a significant comeback for the artist. Seung-hyun had been absent from the entertainment industry for nearly a decade following a marijuana scandal in 2017. Hwang praised the actor for his courage in taking on the role, noting the parallels between Thanos and Seung-hyun’s personal 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,” Hwang said. Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Seung-hyun delivered a memorable performance, earning praise from the creator and viewers alike.
Thanos’ presence in Squid Game season two was chaotic yet compelling. He often stirred tension among the players, notably during the intense conflict in the men’s washroom. However, beneath his loud exterior was a character grappling with inner turmoil, adding depth to his actions and decisions.
The Marvel-inspired name served not just as a clever nod to pop culture but also as a narrative tool to showcase his complexity and global appeal.
With Squid Game season three on the horizon, Thanos’ absence is sure to leave a void. His unpredictable nature brought an energy to the show that will be missed, but his role in season two has cemented him as one of the most memorable additions to the series.
You can watch the whole interview here:
What do you think about Thanos and his impact on Squid Game season two? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
