(Image credit: Netflix)
The final season of Squid Game enthralled audiences worldwide, but one issue stood out like a sore thumb: the peculiar dubbing choices for English-speaking characters. Among these, the notorious VIPs—viewers of the deadly games—received notable backlash for their awkward dialogue and uneven performances, risking the integrity of the series’ dramatic climax.
Recently, it came to light that the voice of one VIP was dubbed, a decision that left even the actor puzzled. Bryan Bucco took to TikTok to clarify, following a critique of the show’s affluent characters. “Those are the English dubs,” he stated, emphasizing, “I was the actual actor. What’s being played here isn’t my voice.” This revelation sheds light on the production choices, opening discussions about authenticity in international series.
Bucco was keen to avoid blaming the voice actor who stepped into his shoes, acknowledging the unique challenges faced. “It seems they did use voice actors to try and sound like us,” he remarked. “I don’t even want to criticize my voice actor either because I think he did fine, I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him to say his lines either haha.” While this might seem confusing, Bucco’s openness encourages a deeper understanding of the production process.
Interestingly, not all versions of the show included dubbed voices. Some clips feature Bucco’s genuine performance, showcasing a disparity across releases. “I’ve seen different clips floating around where some have my voice, and others that are clearly not me,” he commented. “It doesn’t really matter at the end of the day. Just if it sounds dubbed, that’s because it probably is. And the ones used in this video above ARE the dubbed voices.” This inconsistency highlights the varied viewing experiences of a global audience.
As for the future, the expansive reach unveiled in the series finale might herald the return of Bucco’s VIP, potentially with his own voice intact. For a detailed explanation of Squid Game’s ending, explore our full breakdown. Stay on top of all things cinema with the freshest news, features, and reviews delivered straight to your inbox.