Squid Game Creator Praises Thanos Actor Despite Fan Backlash

In the second season of Squid Game, airing on Netflix towards the end of 2024, Thanos has become the most debated character among viewers. Interestingly, the actor playing this volatile character is also generating controversy due to his past history. The highly anticipated premiere of Season 2 set new records for Netflix, surpassing even the viewership numbers of Season 1, which previously held the title. In addition to revisiting the deadly children’s games with our protagonist Seong Gi-Hun, this season introduces a whole array of new characters, all risking their lives in a dangerous game. The character that has garnered the most attention is none other than Thanos, a menacing figure named after a Marvel antagonist.

In the course of Squid Game’s Season 2, Thanos proved to be a contentious figure among viewers, and the actor portraying him has also been embroiled in controversy. Choi Seung-hyun, famously known as T.O.P when he was part of BIGBANG, faced industry ostracism in 2017 following his arrest for marijuana possession, an offense that’s illegal in South Korea. In a conversation with People, Squid Game’s creator Hwang Dong-hyuk acknowledged the actor’s bravery in playing a drug-using character despite the blemish on his career path.

Squid Game Creator Defends Thanos Actor

In 2017, Choi Seung-hyun was convicted of marijuana possession, which led to a ten-month prison sentence and a two-year ban from his mandatory military service. As a result, the actor found himself without work for several years prior to landing a role in “Squid Game” Season 2. During an interview, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk discussed the casting decision, stating, “You might be aware that Seung-hyun was embroiled in a marijuana scandal about nine years ago and couldn’t work in Korea for the past nine years. This is his return to acting after a long break, and he plays a character who is both a rapper and a drug user.”

Moving forward, the creator explained his sentiments about the actor assuming the part: “I believe it required great bravery on his part to embody a character, particularly one who bears many resemblances that could be considered negative for him personally,” Hwang expressed. “Therefore, I think it took a lot of courage for him to accept this role.” In conclusion, the creator was ultimately pleased with the final product, stating: “Even after the extended break, as a director, he delivered an outstanding performance, and I’m extremely content with how he developed the character on-screen.

What’s Next for Squid Game?

Choi Seung-hyun’s past controversy doesn’t fully translate globally since marijuana is legal in numerous American states, which wouldn’t disqualify an actor here like it does in South Korea. As for the character Thanos, Seung-hyun excellently portrayed him, embodying the divisiveness that fans perceive. Introduced as a disruptive force in the second season, Thanos is unlike any other character we’ve encountered before.

The debate about Choi Seung-hyun’s past isn’t as universal because marijuana is legal in many U.S. states and it doesn’t affect an actor here as much as it does in South Korea. The actor played Thanos exceptionally well, mirroring the divisiveness fans feel towards him. Thanos was intentionally designed to be a disruptor in the second season, making him unlike any other character we’ve seen before.

The actor’s previous scandals shouldn’t influence fans’ opinions towards the character they play, and conversely, a character’s actions in a show don’t define the actor behind it. For instance, the actor’s bold decision to openly depict a drug-using character in “Squid Game” was risky yet successful. However, we’ll have to wait and see how things unfold when “Squid Game” returns for Season 3 later this year.

HT – People

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2025-01-08 04:09