creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently explained why features a character named, after the Marvel villain. Speaking to Netflix, Hwang said the name was chosen to give the character global appeal.
He also discussed the significance of Thanos’ unique traits in the story. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game, explained that Season 2’s character Thanos was named after the Marvel villain to draw global attention.
In an interview with Netflix, Hwang stated, “The reason I named the character Thanos… It doesn’t really suit a rapper as a name, was to design him to be a character fans worldwide could love.
But I am so grateful he is getting this much love.” The character’s distinct appearance, including purple hair and nail polish resembling the Infinity Stones, further connects him to the Marvel reference.
Actor Choi Seung-hyun, who plays Thanos, faced controversy due to his past drug scandal. Hwang addressed this in an interview with PEOPLE, saying, “As you may know, the actor Seung-hyun, about nine years ago got involved in a marijuana scandal in Korea and wasn’t able to do any projects for the past nine years in Korea.” Thanos, portrayed as a chaotic rapper with drug issues, mirrors some of Choi’s real-life experiences.