Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Squid Game’s Reagan To

Reagan To is the English dub voice behind the terrifying character robot doll in a little show you may have heard of called Squid Game.

The Korean survival drama follows hundreds of cash-strapped players who accept a mysterious invitation to compete in a series of children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits with deadly high stakes.

Since its premiere in September, Squid Game has quickly become Netflix’s most-watched show ever and Reagan’s role has made her a viral phenomenon.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with this rising young star.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting, dance, music, and modeling?
Reagan: When I was five, I was in the hospital because I was really sick. One day, the nurse came in and turned on the TV. I finished this TV series and I was like, “I want to be an actor.” When I got better, my mom brought me to acting classes. I also wanted to do a sport so I could stay healthy. So I also did ballroom dancing because it looked really fun. I realized that it took a lot of time, but it made me really happy. That’s how I discovered most of the things that I like.

PC: You’ve worked on a lot of really big projects, which has been your favorite so far?
Reagan: My favorite project that I worked on is definitely Squid Game because it became really popular. It was really fun recording it. But if it’s a live on-camera moment, it would be Jimmy Kimmel. I’ve been on the show a few times. I’ve met Rami Malek, Lena Waithe, and Channing Tatum. They were all really nice to me. Something that stuck out to me was when Rami Malek told me that I was his lucky charm. A year later, he got nominated for best actor. I thought, “Maybe I am his lucky charm.”

PC: Speaking of Squid Game, how did the opportunity to voice two characters in the English dub come about?
Reagan: It all started when my agent sent me an audition. My coach and I quickly worked on it and sent it to casting. Twelve hours later, they called my mom. They were like, “Reagan booked it.” We were so excited. We went to record. It wasn’t Squid Game. This was for a TV series that I had recorded before Squid Game. It’s called Sijipeuseu. I didn’t think much of it, but the directors were really nice. After I finished recording it, a few weeks later, Netflix called back and they were like, “Can we have Reagan back?” This one was for Squid Game, but I had no idea.

PC: How did you learn that the work that you were doing was for Squid Game?
Reagan: We all had no idea. But my mom and dad were sitting on the couch one day, and they were like, “Let’s watch Netflix’s #1 series.” They didn’t even know what I had been recording for, so they just watched it. When it got to the red light, green light part, they were like, “Wait a minute! That’s Reagan’s voice.” Then they scrolled to the end credits and they saw my name was there. They were like, “Oh my gosh! This must be the TV show.” They went online and they saw that it was really popular. Then they realized my voice was on one of Netflix’s most popular TV shows in the world.

PC: When you were recording the English dub, did you have any idea how big this series would become? What has that success meant to you?
Reagan: I didn’t know at all. When I went in, they were really nice to me. They showed me a couple of clips. During the violent parts, they had me cover my eyes. They were like, “All right, break time.” I would step outside and they would change the scene. After I finished recording, I didn’t know when it was going to be out. I didn’t even know the name until it came out! Then I realized it was so popular. Then suddenly people started finding out that it was my voice. People were asking me in school if they could have my autograph. I’m really blessed. I hope that I have more opportunities in the future as well.

PC: What would you say is your favorite part about doing voiceover work?
Reagan: My favorite part is that you get to voice a character that you’ve never been able to experience before. Like in Squid Game, I was a giant robot doll! I never thought I would be a robot in a billion years. But the director told me to see myself as a robot and to sound like how I think a robot doll would sound. I did it and they liked it! You get to voice someone and you get to experience what they’re going through with the sound of your voice.

PC: Besides Squid Game, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Reagan: I have four other Netflix TV shows that are recorded and that are coming out soon. I’m very excited, and I hope that you guys can see it soon. I also recorded another TV show in which I voice the main character. That’s Sijipeuseu: The Myth, which I told you about earlier. I voice a little kid, and that one is out on Netflix now!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Reagan:Liv and Maddie or Raven’s Home.

PC: Favorite movie?
Reagan: Toy Story. Bo is so pretty.

PC: Favorite book?
Reagan: My favorite book is called Dork Diaries because the character is like me. She’s a little nerdy, and I like to study a lot. I still read a lot of books, and she likes to keep her life inside one book, which is funny.

PC: Favorite artist or band?
Reagan: Camila Cabello. I do ballroom dancing. I have a show dance, and my song for that dance is “Don’t Go Yet” by Camila Cabello.

PC: Dream role?
Reagan: My dream role is to book a big TV series or a big character. I hope I get to play a main character. That would be my dream role, but I’m so blessed to have any opportunity.

To keep up with Reagan, follow her on Instagram. Watch Squid Game on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin // Stylist: Quentin Fears // Hair & Makeup: Allison Noelle