Squid Game creator 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 Game expanded 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

Thanos being choked in Squid Game

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

Thanos speaking to Min-su in the bathroom in Squid Game season 2 Thanos smiling with blood on his face in Squid Game Thanos looking intimidating in Squid Game Thanos being swarmed by fans in Squid Game Thanos looking at the screen in Squid Game

It’s not the fault of the new Squid Game actors, 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.