ICYMI: Carlo Aquino was supposed to appear as ‘Ali’ in ‘Squid Game’

Carlo Aquino almost made it to the cast of the hit Netflix series Squid Game, but fate had other plans.

Just recently, the actor reposted an Instagram snap he shared last year, where he teased about a “future project” with the Netflix show’s director Hwang Dong-hyuk. “This was supposedly a role for #SquidGame,” he wrote, adding a crying emoji.

According to Beatrice Candaza—the sister of Carlo’s partner Trina—Aquino’s supposed participation did not push through due to travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 crisis. 

“@jose_liwanag was supposed to play a role in #SquidGame but travel restrictions happened,” Candaza shared in her IG stories. “I remember @trinacandaza calling me and saying that they’ll stay in Korea for a few months back in 2020.” 

“I’m sure there would be more opportunities,” she added. 

In an interview with another publication, Aquino shared that he auditioned for the character of Ali, who moved from Pakistan to Korea to make a living. 

Aquino’s partner Trina, for her part, wrote in her IG stories: “I’m still proud of you, @jose_liwanag! Isipin ko nalang ikaw si Ali.” 

If it worked out for Aquino, he would have been a part of the hit K-drama thriller alongside another Pinoy actor named Christian Lagahit, who is Player 276.