The eccentric American actor who played VIP 4 in the breakthrough series of Squid Game has unleashed an epic rant over the decision to drop him for series two and three.

Geoffrey Giuliano, 71, from New York, became a cult star for his appearance in the first series of the Netflix show in September 2021. He said his role - in which he was the only VIP to remove his mask - led to the show's worldwide success.

But the trained actor was heartbroken to be left out of season two, which sees a re-run of the games without any appearances from the VIPs.

He says that despite initially being promised a part in the third series, due for release later this year, he then discovered he would not be needed.

Speaking today, Geoffrey said: 'Some of you may know me better as VIP 4 from season 1, episode 7 of Squid Game - the VIP mobster that had his mask ripped off by June after attempting to do some very naughty things.

'Well, after an announcement that the VIPs are coming back and finding out that I am not included, maybe, just maybe, it was Netflix that was a little naughty or that took their eye off the ball in relation to the obvious fact that amongst the VIPs - for better or worse, controversial or not - I was the most memorable.

'I was the one they flew in. I was the one they gave the crazy scenes to, and I am the one who, since the debut of that show some years ago, has received fan mail every day to the point that some fans have started up a Facebook page called 'VIP 4 Squid Game Universe', which you're all welcome to join.

'Anyway, let me give you a little inside gossip on the filming of season 3. Now, two of the original VIPs, Mr Kennedy and Micheal, went along, and they said: 'Oh no, no, no, no, we're not going to use you again, but we are going to use Jeffrey.'

'I waited for the call. It hasn't come. And now I find today they've announced that they have wrapped on season 3, and no VIP 4, at least as we know him, love him, or hate him.

'The article itself was titled 'The Return of Squid Game's Most Controversial Characters: The VIPs.'

'Well, who made the VIPs controversial? Who made them memorable? It's better for you to answer that question. I have my own ideas.

'As they say, 'Don't call us, we will call you.' That's show business, and I understand that. I have been an actor for many, many decades now. But the fact that this character got through to people in so many different and divergent ways - it seems like a wasted opportunity for Netflix.

'Now they've wrapped, but listen, this ain't Shakespeare. I am sure they could figure out a way to film me in the helicopter or in the Rolls-Royce. Or yeah, maybe I am just a loser, as I am sure some of you will say at the bottom, even though I've got three big films coming out.

'I just feel bad because I think that my impact on the show was significant, so significant that they decided to try and replicate the magic of that day, which may have had little or nothing to do with me. Just a little fairy dust on the production.

'That day, everybody remembers it. I mean, that's the thing, isn't it? To be remembered from a film.

'Well, I always called acting my heartbreaking hobby because, more often than not, it's upsetting. And those few times that you break through, you know, you can count them on one hand as an actor.

'Not to be picked up, this has nothing to do with sour grapes. It just seems like marketing to me. I was the memorable VIP. I was the real son of a b****. And why are you going to get somebody else to replicate that? I don't think so.

'It's hard to get lightning to strike twice in a bottle. As a matter of fact, there were several official marketing toys that they put out for VIP 4, there was a mug, there was a cat's toy, and there was some kind of action figure. My wife has them somewhere here.

'Anyway, I think with the way that season 2 was embraced by the world, it would have been, and still can be, a terrific idea to bring me back. Come on, guys.

'I promise, I'll be just as hateful, evil, and eccentric the third time around as in season one.

'Anyway, it's all in your capable hands, Netflix, but I'd love to see you there in the studio in Seoul. And for all the fans I know are disappointed, because they're writing me now since the official announcement has been made, all I can say is, well, I am still here. Maybe not as VIP 4, but you can contact me anytime, and I love hearing from you. As you know, I do always answer your mail.

'Beyond that, it's just out of my hands. So God bless you all, and thank you, Netflix, for the opportunity to play such a memorable part. Fans are remembering that part of me daily, might be a good idea for you to do the same.

'With respect, this is Geoffrey Giuliano.'