Thanos Star’s Controversial Squid Game Role: Inside the Casting Drama

The second season of “Squid Game” stirred up controversy backstage, as it was reported that actor Choi Seung-hyun, who portrayed the Marvel-inspired antagonist known as Thanos, had previously faced blacklisting in the Korean entertainment industry prior to joining the Netflix show. Now, Choi has spoken out about taking on this role amidst such circumstances. Since its debut in December, “Squid Game” Season 2 has become one of Netflix’s most successful TV seasons, with much of its success attributed to the fresh cast and characters introduced in the new round of games. The most extraordinary among these new adversaries was none other than Thanos, modeled after a well-known Marvel villain and portrayed by a rapper.

Choi Seung-hyun, better recognized as rapper T.O.P from BIGBANG, accepted the part of Thanos for ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, a move that sparked debate among fans due to his absence from work since his 2017 arrest for marijuana possession, an offense illegal in South Korea. In an interview with The Korea Times, he expressed his thoughts on the role, stating it felt almost predestined: “The opportunity to play Thanos was a challenging prospect. The character resonated with my past, exposing aspects I wished to conceal. My apprehension about being typecast held me back, but it seemed as though fate was guiding me towards this role.

Thanos Star Talks Being Cast as a Drug User in Squid Game

Although playing Thanos presented a challenge due to its connections to his own history, Choi was eager to accept the role because of the faith that series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk had shown in him. In his own words, “For nearly a decade, I felt unseen by others, but it was Hwang Dong-hyuk who extended the first invitation. The trust and belief he placed in me gave me the courage to undertake this role. As an actor, it is my responsibility to honor that trust. Outstanding performance on this project is simply another task in my life.

Choi focused on portraying this aspect of the character and studied how Thanos might respond differently when using or abstaining from a powerful drug, saying “I investigated the effects of such substances while creating the character…I aimed to deliver different performances in scenes where Thanos hadn’t taken the drug versus those where he had.” This also influenced his rapping style, as he attempted to convey the unique delivery characteristic of ‘mumble rap,’ a style often associated with rappers who use potent stimulants.

What’s Next for T.O.P.?

2020 marked Choi’s retirement from the Korean entertainment industry, leading some to speculate about a possible grand comeback if he joined Squid Game Season 2. However, it seems that Choi has been focusing on his musical pursuits and healing himself from his past. In his own words, “For the last seven years, I’ve largely secluded myself from society, spending most of my time at home and in my music studio. So I simply continued working on music, hidden away in the dark. The reason behind this was not for any other purpose, but because music was the only place where I could find solace. When I was composing music and standing in front of the microphone, I felt like I was able to breathe. I believe I made music as a means to survive.”

Choi expressed, “I’ve penned countless songs, drawing inspiration from my deepest emotions and inner struggles. My aim was to find solace through music, and eventually, I wanted to share this with my fans.” Regarding his long-term aspirations, the star shared, “Ultimately, I yearn for a more balanced and tranquil lifestyle…I aspire to awaken each day without being overwhelmed by unfavorable news and find greater inner peace.

Currently, you have the opportunity to watch the initial two seasons of “Squid Game” on Netflix. The remaining third season, which brings the series to a conclusion, is set to be released at some point this year.

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2025-01-19 02:10