Why Squid Game Season 2's Most Divisive New Player Died So Early Explained By Creator

This article contains major spoilers for Squid Game season 2.Squid Gamecreator Hwang Dong-hyuk explains why season 2's most divisive character died so early in the season. With its second installment, the characters in Squid Gameexpanded to include a mother and son duo, a marine, and a YouTuber who lost his money in a scam, among several others. But the breakout is arguably Choi Seung-hyun, also well known as T.O.P, who played Thanos. The purple-haired antagonist is stabbed and bleeds out in a surprisingly quick scene, given his centrality in many of season 2's episodes.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hwang shared that he was a fan of T.O.P's performance. He also acknowledged that the death of Choi Seung-hyun, better known as Thanos, is surprising. Still, in the quote below, Hwang says that it was ultimately the right time for Thanos to die and teased that his presence will still be felt in the upcoming episodes:

As for Thanos… he’s one of my favorite characters, too! I believe that 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. The way he leaves the story, if you watch until the third season, it will almost feel as if he’s still there in some ways in terms of how he affects the plot.

What Thanos' Death Means For Squid Game

It's A Jolt

In some ways, the most surprising part of Thanos' death is how abrupt it is. Well before the Squid Game season 2 finale, and as Gi-hun's plan for rebellion is taking shape, the scene-stealing character gets a fork to the throat that pays off some of the season's more minor animosities. It's unexpected because Thanos seems poised to be one of the characters that could make it to the final four.

It works because the death reminds viewers of the show that they're watching. It's not much later that Gi-hun's best friend, Jung-bae, dies. It's somewhat more expected, fitting with where the story is expected to trend in Squid Game season 3. But it also points to the fact that the survival thriller's last episodes won't be like season 1, where all the important faces make it to the end.

Our Take On Thanos' Addition To Squid Game

He's One Of The Few That Really Stand Out

It's not the fault of the new Squid Gameactors, who are all strong in their roles. However, with a different focus, season 2 loses the flashbacks that help audiences identify with the players and instead keeps them in the world of the games. Choi did well to stand out as a villainous type that was sort of fun to root for. It's a bit of a shame to see him go so early.

How Thanos' Death Will Impact Squid Game Season 3

Other Characters Have New Opportunities After His Death

David Lee looking shocked as Park Min-su in Squid Game

While Thanos' death was surprising, his death creates several compelling theories for Squid Game season 3. Player 124, Nam-gyu (Noh Jae-won), spent much of season 2 doing Thanos' bidding while living in the rapper's shadow. Now that Thanos is dead, Nam-gyu can take more ownership of his survival, and be solely concerned about his own chances of winning. He is poised to be even more ruthless in season 3 and among one of the most dangerous players remaining.

Nam-gyu took Thanos' stash of pills for himself after the rapper's death.

Thanos' death may have a more positive impact on Park Min-su (Lee David). Min-su was terrified of Thanos and Nam-gyu, leading to him choosing them over Se-mi (Won Ji-an) during Mingle. This is made even worse when Min-su lets Se-mi die. While it is too late to save Se-mi or to stand up to Thanos, it is not too late for Min-su to earn his redemption and to stand up to Nam-gyu, which could be a pivotal turning point in season 3's story.

Regardless of what happens, there are many players who continue to be impacted by Thanos in Squid Game season 3 despite his absence.

Thanos' killer, Lee Myung-gi (Im Si-swan), will likely feel more confident in season 3 after his confrontation with Thanos. After being antagonized by Thanos throughout season 2, Myung-gi successfully eliminated him. This boost in confidence could lead to Myung-gi making foolhardy decisions, especially while trying to win back the trust of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri). Regardless of what happens, there are many players who continue to be impacted by Thanos in Squid Game season 3 despite his absence.

Source: THR