On January 27, Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P) opened up in a Netflix interview about his role as Thanos in 'Squid Game: Season 2.'
The actor revealed behind-the-scenes stories about how the character was developed, his creative input in key moments, and the significance of reuniting with co-star Lee Byung Hun after many years.
T.O.P. shared that much of Thanos’ character was shaped through close collaboration with the director. A particularly memorable aspect was the rap segment in Thanos’ introduction. “Originally, the rap section was longer, but I edited it myself to make it more impactful,” he explained. The decision paid off, as it gave Thanos a striking and unforgettable entrance.
Additionally, T.O.P. contributed to the character’s visual design. “I wanted his nails to resemble Infinity Stones, so I chose vibrant colors for the nail art. The director loved the idea, and it added a unique flair to Thanos’ appearance,” he said, smiling.
One of the most talked-about moments in the series is the scene where Thanos walks in a circle to decide the number of participants in the next game. T.O.P. revealed that this idea came directly from the director. “That scene was entirely the director’s vision, and it perfectly captured Thanos’ calculated and commanding nature,” he shared.
Another highlight for T.O.P. was reuniting with Lee Byung Hun, who plays the Front Man. “It was meaningful to work with him again after our time on 'Iris.' It brought a sense of nostalgia and significance to our scenes together,” he said, reflecting on their shared history.
T.O.P. also discussed Thanos’ dramatic death in the final episodes. In a pivotal bathroom scene, the character meets his end after being stabbed with a fork. “I think the timing of Thanos’ death was perfect. It had the right amount of impact and left a strong impression,” he said. The sequence was carefully crafted to highlight Thanos’ downfall, cementing his role as one of the season’s most memorable figures.
T.O.P.’s portrayal of Thanos has drawn significant attention for its depth and creativity, and his hands-on approach to the character demonstrates his dedication to the role. “It was an incredible experience to bring Thanos to life and see how people have reacted. I’m proud of what we achieved,” he concluded.
Stream 'Squid Game: Season 2' now on Netflix to witness T.O.P.’s unforgettable performance as Thanos.
SEE ALSO: T.O.P confesses he cringed at his own acting as "Thanos" in 'Squid Game 2'