Quick Answer: Thanos was killed early in Squid Game Season 2 to shock viewers and make room for key character arcs in Season 3. His comedic role was never meant to last, and his death sets up intense rivalries for the finale.
Thanos in Squid Game: A Fan Favorite Who Didn’t Last
If you blinked, you might have missed him—Thanos was the breakout character of Squid Game Season 2. Played by Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P from BigBang), he stole scenes with his over-the-top arrogance, humor, and unpredictable antics. But just when fans started loving him, boom—he was gone.
So, why did Netflix kill off Thanos so fast?
Why Was Thanos Killed Off So Early?
1. Shock Value & Narrative Shake-Up
Netflix loves to keep audiences on their toes. Killing off Thanos in Episode 6 (“O X”) was a deliberate move to create a Game of Thrones-style shock moment.
Key Scene: In a brutal bathroom fight, Thanos gets stabbed in the throat with a fork by Lee Myung-gi. He struggles for a few moments but ultimately bleeds out, marking one of the season’s most unexpected deaths.
2. His Role Was Never Meant to Last
Let’s be real—Thanos wasn’t built for long-term survival. Unlike Squid Game’s major players, his character had no backstory, no flashbacks, and no deep motivations.
Netflix’s Strategy: He was designed purely as comedic relief in a bleak, violent world. His purpose? Make us laugh… and then die dramatically.
3. He Clears the Stage for Bigger Conflicts in Season 3
With Thanos gone, Season 3 can focus on the real power struggles:
- Nam-gyu’s revenge: Now that he’s free from Thanos’s control, will he take over his role?
- Myung-gi’s inner turmoil: Killing Thanos changes his trajectory—will he embrace the violence or try to redeem himself?
- The final showdown: With Thanos out, Gi-hun and the Squid Game masterminds are set for an even bigger face-off in Season 3.
What Will Change in Squid Game Season 3?
1. The Power Vacuum Left by Thanos
Thanos ran the show when he was alive, intimidating weaker players and forming alliances. With him gone, other contestants will scramble to fill the void. Expect new rivalries, betrayals, and power struggles.
2. More Screen Time for Key Players
Characters like Hyun-ju, Dae-ho, and Jun-hee will step into the spotlight. Thanos’s absence gives them space to develop deeper story arcs and drive the final season’s plot forward.
3. A Darker, More Serious Tone
Season 2 had some comedic elements thanks to Thanos, but Season 3? Not so much. Expect a grim, high-stakes final season where humor takes a backseat to survival.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know
Q: Why did Netflix remove Thanos so quickly?
A: His comedic role was short-lived, and his death helped push the plot forward.
Q: Did fans like Thanos in Squid Game?
A: Yes! He was a fan favorite, but his quick death made him even more memorable.
Q: Will Thanos return in Season 3?
A: Highly unlikely. Squid Game doesn’t bring back dead characters—unless it’s in flashbacks.
Q: When is Squid Game Season 3 releasing?
A: June 27, 2025 (Netflix Confirmed).
Did Thanos Deserve a Longer Storyline?
Thanos wasn’t meant to survive, but his presence made Squid Game Season 2 unforgettable. His shocking death, comedic timing, and chaotic energy left a mark on the series.
Do you think Thanos should have lasted longer? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
