Alongside returning characters like Gi-hun and In-ho,Squid Gameseason 2 introduced a whole set of new characters to distinguish this exciting new season from the first. The majority of these fresh faces were new players, and one of the smartest ideas thatSquid Gamehad for this season was establishing an existing connection between many of the game’s players. This was done through Lee Myung-gi, whose cryptocurrency scam caused many people to lose money. This conflict among the players makes for a verydifferent version ofSquid Gamefrom the show’s original vision.
One of the players who’s strongly involved in the Myung-gi scandal isThanos —aself-proclaimed rapper who lost all his riches by investing in the former’s crypto coin. The feud between these two characters is one ofSquid Gameseason 2’s most interesting subplots, and it thankfully gives plenty of screen time to the new fan-favorite character. However,the reason behind Thanos’ nameactually goes much deeper than his bright purple hair, proving a point aboutSquid Game’s international success.
Squid Game’s Director Hoped Global Audiences Would Connect With Thanos
The Truth Behind Thanos' Name Is Actually Strategic
Squid Game’s creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has revealed in an interview withNetflixthat his decision to name Thanos as such was a strategic move to market the character to viewers across the world.T.O.P.’s character is obviously named after the iconic Marvel villain, who became globally recognizable after his starring role inAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame. Thanos is one of the most interestingplayers inSquid Gameseason 2, and his name certainly leaves a lasting impression.
Speaking with Netflix, the director confessed: “[Thanos] doesn’t really suit a rapper as a name […] the reason I named him that was to design him to be a character fans worldwide could love.” The name is a reference to the character’s bright purple hair, which mirrors Thanos’ purple skin in the Marvel comics and movies. He’s also one of the few characters who uses an English name and speaks English throughout the season, which makes him stand out from the crowd.
Squid Game’s Thanos Has Become More Popular Than Anyone Could Have Expected
The Character Has Taken The Internet By Storm
In the weeks sinceSquid Game’s second season aired, Thanos has become the most popular character from the show. Not only were global audiences amused by his stage name, as Hwang Dong-hyuk intended and predicted, butThanos also ended up being one of the season’s most entertaining characters. He was a constant source of humor in the challenges, and his aggressive personality made the games much more complex as he caused problems for the other players. From the moment he pushed his competitors in “Red Light, Green Light”, it was clear that he would stand out.
Squid Game Season 2 Only Having 7 Episodes Was Divisive, But It Makes Season 3 Much Better
Squid Game season 2’s shorter episode count has proven divisive, but it will actually help the third and final season of the Netflix series.
Thanos has many standout moments inSquid Gameseason 2, whether that’s his constant rivalry with crypto-influencer Lee Myung-gi or his involvement in Team Circle’s coup against the other players, the show became so much more enjoyable with him in it. He was the loud voice within the group to counter Gi-hun’s, spurring many of the contestants to vote against ending the games early. Without his strong politics and clear leadership, the season would have likely been much tamer and shorter. Gi-hun’s life would have been easier, but Squid Games 2 would have been boring.
Why Thanos Was Such A Great Character In Squid Game Season 2
He Was A Villain That Audiences Could Love To hate
The reason that Thanos was such a standout member ofSquid Game’s castis that he adopted the role of a classic“love to hate”villain that was missing from the show’s first season. Il-nam was completely likable until his shocking reveal in the final episode, and the Front Man was completely unlikeable from start to finish. There wasno character balances that line as Thanos did. He’s frustrating and morally wrong, but he was enjoyable and practical. Those conflicting traits make him an invaluable member of the team.
Additionally, Thanos helped dispel a major criticism of the first season - namely why the players would choose to compete in these games in the first place.
Additionally, Thanos helped dispel a major criticism ofSquid Gameseason 1, namely why the players would choose to compete in these games in the first place. His vocal arguments for continuing the games made him the leader of Team Circle, and while his intentions were often misguided, they always made sense. He wanted the most money and wasn’t afraid to let other people die to receive it. Many other characters share his mentality, emphasizing the show’s message about society’s innate selfishness and lack of empathy. He was just the only one to voice it without fear of punishment.
Squid Game
Cast
Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.
