Squid Gamestar Choi Seung-hyun, aka T.O.P., explained why Thanos speaks English in the South Korean dystopian thriller. Known for his bright purple hair and Infinity Stone-inspired nails, Thanos is one of the most chaotic and entertaining new players in the deadly games, causing almost as much havoc as his MCU namesake. However, this Thanos is not a cosmic tyrant but a self-proclaimed rapper whose downfall stems from financial ruin tied to a cryptocurrency scam. ThenewSquid Gamecharacterleft a lasting impression on the gameswith his humor, recklessness, and unexpected use of English—oftentimes to flirt with some of his fellow players.
In a featurette withNetflix K-Content,Choi revealed how he approached Thanos' English lines.At the team selection stage for the Six-Legged Race, Thanos attempts to win over Won Ji-an’s Se-mi using his usual flirtatious technique, including English catchphrases like “No problem,” which he delivers with a cheeky mispronunciation. Here’s what he had to say:
This guy has never been to the States or taken English lessons. I was told his English pronunciation shouldn’t be too good.
For example, when he says, “No problem,”I intentionally mispronounced it and emphasized the L sound.I figured that sort of thing would be funny for foreign viewers, so I used my imagination to make the details stand out.
I personally really like this scene, because all the lines are hilarious, and it’s where Team Thanos is formed. So I always find myself laughing when I watch this scene.
What Thanos’ English Usage Means
It’s A Perfect Parody Of K-Hip-Hop
Thanos’ use of English in season 2 is a comedic quirk for the rapper, but it also reflects the broader impact of K-pop. Integrating English phrases into songs is a hallmark of the genre, with many Korean rappers incorporating English at points to emphasize rhythm, punchlines, or cultural references.While the professional actor and rapper is relatively fluent in English, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk instructed Choi to speak it poorly. Yet, bybringing this vernacular to Thanos’ dialogue,Squid Gamecleverly ties his character to his backstory while poking fun at common tropes in K-hip-hop.
5 Best Movies & Shows Starring Squid Game Season 2’s Thanos Actor T.O.P
Squid Game season 2 introduced a real life rapper to its cast, and those who enjoyed the character Thanos should check out his other projects.
Choi’s mispronounced yet confident English lines amplify his role as a parody of a rapper archetype,doubling down on the humor and absurdity of his character. Hwang wanted Thanos to beaSquid Gameplayer"fans worldwide could love,“and his linguistic quirks play a key role in achieving that. By blending exaggerated elements of K-pop with universally recognizable humor, Thanos transcends cultural boundaries. His unrefined yet confident attempts at speaking English thus become a connection for international audiences, while his over-the-top personality remains distinctly rooted in the chaos of the games.
Our Take On Thanos’ Linguistic Antics
This Prankster Villain Stole The Show
Thanos may not have survived the games, but his unique personality made him an unforgettable part ofSquid Gameseason 2. From his chaotic gameplay strategies to his unexpected English free-styling, he stood out as a comedic yet formidable character in a series known for its bleak tone. Whether you loved or hated Thanos for his arrogance or mischief, there’s no denying he brought a distinctive energy toSquid Gameand left us wishing for more moments with the purple-haired villain.
