Squid Game season 2 introduced a range of new characters, and then killed them off just as swiftly, but fan-favorite Thanos could still play a role in season 3, according to some theories. Squid Game has had enormous success since the series debuted in 2021 on Netflix. Despite being a relatively small production from South Korea, the series rapidly became the most watched show on Netflix, with hundreds of millions of hours of watch time.

However, with the nature of the series featuring so much death and devastation, many of the most notable characters in season 1 perished. Fortunately, season 2 brought in many more engaging heroes and villains, including the enigmatic Thanos, a former rapper who fell on hard times investing in cryptocurrencies. While Thanos played well, and managed to push others into playing more games, he ultimately met his end when his intended target pushed back.

Thanos Will Appear In Squid Game Season 3 As A Hallucination – Theory Explained

Thanos Could Have An Unconventional Squid Game Return

While Thanos meets a grisly end at the hands of player 333, Lee Myung-gi, his story in Squid Game is likely to continue, at least in spirit. Thanos formed a close relationship with Nam-gyu, another player who worked in the same industry before the games. The pair formed an alliance, and Thanos even shared his hardcore narcotics with Nam-gyu to get them both psyched up before tense moments. And when he died in the bathroom, Nam-gyu was nearby, and likely claimed the remains of his late friend.

This means that Nam-gyu is likely in possession of Thanos' drugs, and could end up excessively using them in order to deal with an increasingly stressful and traumatic situation. With players now attacking each other inside and out of the games, things could get much worse before the games end. In this state, it's entirely possible that Thanos will remain a voice in Nam-gyu's head, or a hallucination that appears and pushes him to do increasingly cruel and inhumane deeds. After all, Thanos was the first player to get on board with the games, pushing people to their death in the first round.

Nam-gyu Hallucinating Thanos Would Be The Perfect Way To Bring T.O.P’s Character Back

Thanos Can Continue To Be A Bad Influence In Squid Game Season 3

Following the incredible popularity of Thanos, and the actor who appeared in the role, T.O.P., it makes sense to expand their role in season 3. T.O.P. is a popular rapper outside the show in South Korea, and with his role in Squid Game, his popularity has gone global. So, including Thanos in this kind of role, it could be the perfect way to capitalize on the character despite his death.

However, there is one considerable hurdle to overcome to make this happen. Both season 2 and season 3 of Squid Game were filmed back to back. Unfortunately, this would make it significantly more difficult to bring Thanos back if that wasn't the plan from the start. The director and creator of the show, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has mentioned that Thanos' presence will be felt in Squid Game season 3, but this hardly provides any insight about how or what this means. Though having the character be a hallucination would be a perfect way to fulfill that promise.

Nam-gyu Is One Of The Biggest Wild Cards Going Into Squid Game Season 3

Nam-gyu's Story Is About To Get Way More Interesting In Squid Game

There is no doubt that Thanos was one of the most unpredictable and dangerous characters in Squid Game. He was ruthless in the games, ensuring his own survival and betraying others in order to protect himself. However, while Nam-gyu was a largely quiet ally who stood by Thanos' side during all of this, he has proven himself to be equally dangerous. He coerced and forced others to play the games, and when a fight broke out in the bathroom, Nam-gyu came out with blood on his hands, and still alive.

And when the players realized that killing others outside the games still added to the prize pot, Nam-gyu was eager to attack the players who voted to leave in their sleep. He ruthlessly murdered multiple players, including a female player that was previously in their alliance. This proves that he is ready to kill, and take down anyone who does not remain loyal to him, which puts a target on player 333's back in particular. However, it's impossible to know how Nam-gyu will behave in Squid Game season 3, except for the fact that he is likely to avenge his friend's death, whether Thanos appears in hallucinations or not.