The Thanos Script Mystery: Did Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P.) Or Player 432 Really Ad-Lib In Squid Game?
The question of whether "Thanos from Squid Game" had a script is one of the most viral and persistent fan theories to emerge from the Netflix phenomenon. As of the latest updates in late 2025, this query actually refers to two completely different figures across the *Squid Game* universe: the fictional character *Thanos* (Player 230) from the upcoming K-drama *Squid Game* Season 2, and the controversial Player 432 (Bryton Constantin) from the reality spin-off, *Squid Game: The Challenge*. The simple answer is that the fictional character absolutely had a script, despite the fan jokes, while the reality show contestant himself fueled the debate by claiming the competition was rigged.
This deep dive will definitively unpack the rumors surrounding both individuals, revealing the truth behind the viral "no script" meme for the K-drama and the serious allegations of "scripting" and rigging in the reality competition, providing the most current and unique information available.
Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P.) / 'Thanos' / Player 230: The Fictional Character
The primary figure associated with the nickname "Thanos" is the actor and former K-pop idol Choi Seung-hyun, better known by his stage name T.O.P. His character, Player 230, is reportedly nicknamed "Thanos" within the narrative of the upcoming *Squid Game* Season 2.
- Full Name: Choi Seung-hyun (최승현)
- Stage Name: T.O.P (Top)
- Birth Date: November 4, 1987
- Nationality: South Korean
- Primary Career: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
- Former Group: BIGBANG (Main Rapper)
- Character Name (Squid Game 2): Choi Su-bong (Player 230), nicknamed "Thanos"
- Controversy: His casting in *Squid Game* Season 2 was met with significant backlash due to a 2017 drug scandal, which the series creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, publicly defended.
The Viral 'No Script' Meme Explained
The rumor that T.O.P.'s character, Thanos, did not have a script is purely a fan-created joke that gained traction online. The speculation arose because of the character's unique, unpredictable, and somewhat eccentric portrayal, which fans felt mirrored T.O.P.'s own public persona and previous acting roles.
In the context of a highly-produced, fictional K-drama like *Squid Game*, every line of dialogue and major action is meticulously planned and written into a script. The idea that a major character in a global phenomenon would be allowed to entirely ad-lib their performance is simply not realistic, especially given the show’s high stakes and intense production schedule.
T.O.P. himself has spoken about his approach to the role, indicating that his performance was a deliberate and "intentional portrayal" of the retired rapper character. While actors often improvise minor lines or physical movements, the core dialogue, character arc, and plot points for Player 230 were undoubtedly dictated by the show's writers, making the "no script" theory a fun, but ultimately untrue, piece of internet folklore.
The character, Choi Su-bong, is described as an unpredictable newcomer and "wildcard force" in the second season, which is likely what fueled the rumors of him being a loose cannon without a script.
Player 432 (Bryton Constantin): The Reality Show 'Scripting' Allegations
The second, and arguably more relevant, context for the "script" question comes from the reality show spin-off, *Squid Game: The Challenge*. While Player 432, Bryton Constantin, was not officially nicknamed "Thanos" by the show, his aggressive, self-proclaimed "villain" role led to massive fan backlash and intense speculation that his actions were pre-written.
The Contestant’s Own Claims of Rigging
The controversy surrounding Bryton is not just about him having a script; it's about the entire reality show being potentially "rigged." Bryton himself became one of the most vocal contestants to suggest the competition was fixed.
After his elimination, Bryton claimed that certain games, such as the Dalgona Challenge, were not entirely fair. He explicitly stated that his cookie broke during the game, but he was passed anyway and not eliminated, suggesting a pre-determined outcome or manipulation by the production team.
These claims immediately fueled the "scripted" narrative, with many viewers believing that Bryton was intentionally kept in the game to serve as the show's antagonist, or "villain," to create compelling television. This is a common accusation leveled against reality TV, where producers often influence scenarios, but rarely dictate exact dialogue or outcomes.
The Official Response to Scripting Allegations
Netflix and the production company for *Squid Game: The Challenge* have vehemently denied all claims of rigging and scripting. A spokesperson for the series issued a clear statement: "Any suggestion that the competition is rigged or claims of serious harm to players are simply untrue."
While the show is a competition, it is also a television production. Producers admit to using common reality TV techniques such as:
- Heavy Editing: To shape narratives and emphasize certain characters (like Bryton's villain persona).
- Producer Influence: Setting up scenarios, like the phone call challenge where Player 432 was involved, to force confrontations and decisions.
- Confessional Interviews: Where contestants are guided to articulate their feelings and strategies, which are later edited to fit the storyline.
The Definitive Answer: Fiction vs. Reality
To settle the curiosity about whether "Thanos from *Squid Game*" had a script, the answer depends entirely on which character you are referring to:
1. Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P.) / Player 230 (Fictional Series): Yes, he had a script. He is an actor playing a character in a scripted K-drama. The idea that he ad-libbed his entire performance is a funny, but inaccurate, fan meme.
2. Bryton Constantin / Player 432 (Reality Show): No, he did not have a script in the traditional sense, but he was at the center of serious "rigging" and "scripting" allegations. He himself claimed the competition was fixed, while the producers maintain the competition was fair, with only standard reality TV production techniques used to create a compelling show.
The enduring mystery surrounding both "Thanos" figures highlights a common theme across the *Squid Game* franchise: the blurring lines between reality and performance, and the intense scrutiny fans place on the authenticity of the high-stakes games.
Topical Authority & Entity List: * Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P.) * Player 230 * Thanos (Nickname) * Squid Game Season 2 * K-Drama * Netflix * Hwang Dong-hyuk (Creator/Director) * BIGBANG (K-pop Group) * Choi Su-bong (Character Name) * Player 432 * Bryton Constantin * Squid Game: The Challenge (Reality Show) * Scripting Allegations * Rigging Claims * Dalgona Challenge * Warships (Game) * Villain Persona * Reality Television (Reality TV) * Producer Influence * Contestant Backlash * Ad-libbed Performance * Screenrant * Koreaboo * The Mary Sue * The Tab (Publication)
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