Over the past decade, Tom Hiddleston has become synonymous with mischief. His portrayal of Loki Laufeyson, the adopted brother of Thor and a thorn in the side of the Avengers, has captivated audiences. However, Loki’s journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been anything but straightforward.
He began as a clear villain, then morphed into a complex antihero, and finally, in the recent Disney+ series ‘Loki,’ showed glimpses of genuine heroism. This transformation is a testament not only to the character’s rich development but also to Hiddleston’s dedication to bringing Loki’s complexities to life.
Loki’s Transformation Began After His Resurrection In ‘Thor: Ragnarok’
Loki’s debut in 2011’s ‘Thor’ established him as a formidable antagonist. He craved power and recognition, willing to manipulate and even betray his own family to achieve his goals. Additionally, Hiddleston embodied this villainy with relish, injecting Loki with a chilling charisma that sent shivers down viewers’ spines.
“As written in the first script, it was a true sacrifice,” Hiddleston recalls about Loki’s apparent death in ‘Thor: The Dark World’ in an interview with Backstage. However, the character’s popularity proved too strong, and Loki was resurrected, much to the audience’s delight. This resurrection marked a turning point for Loki.
His appearances in subsequent films like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ showcased a more humorous and sarcastic side. While his mischievous nature remained, there were glimpses of vulnerability and a yearning for connection. Additionally, he remembers the joy of working with Taika Waititi on ‘Ragnarok,’ where Loki’s comedic timing truly shined. “It was a blast,” Hiddleston admits with a grin.
In case you missed it: Tom Hiddleston Reveals Emotional Connection Of His Character’s Final Line In ‘Loki’ Season 2 Finale
‘Loki’ Series Delved Even Deeper Into The Character’s Psyche
Confronted with his own mortality and the consequences of his actions in Season 2, Loki grappled with existential questions. Additionally, Hiddleston describes filming a scene where Loki watches a montage of his past misdeeds as “one of the most thrilling challenges” he’s faced.
“I just kept imagining: If you were afforded the opportunity or forced to watch your own death as a bystander, it would bring about an existential shock and crisis unlike any other,” he explains. The raw emotion he brought to this scene perfectly captured Loki’s internal struggle.
By the end of ‘Loki’ Season 2, the character takes a surprising step towards heroism. Faced with the potential destruction of all timelines, Loki chooses to act selflessly, sacrificing his own happiness for the good of the multiverse. Hiddleston acknowledges the ambiguity surrounding this ending.
“There’s a poetic melancholy there which I found very moving,” he reflects. Additionally, whether this marks a true turning point toward heroism remains to be seen, but it certainly demonstrates Loki’s capacity for growth. Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki has been a masterclass in character development.
“The feedback loop for actors is that we get to inhabit a fiction,” Hiddleston said. “But hopefully, that fiction bears the shape of a truth that we recognize about life,” he added. Through Loki’s transformation, audiences have witnessed the complexities of human nature. Moreover, whether it’s the capacity for both good and evil, the struggle for redemption, or the enduring power of family (even a dysfunctional one like Thor and Loki).
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