Despite technically being a supervillain, Loki, the adopted brother of Thor, is a character that has resonated with fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is it the fact that he was able to outwit a slew of powerful characters in the first Avengers film and even his brother Thor in nearly every one of their encounters? Is it his razor-sharp wit and Machiavellian cunning? Or is it the fact that he found success despite being the second favorite son? Or what about Tom Hiddleston’s incredible acting talent?
In any case, Loki’s popularity was great enough to facilitate his own series on Disney+, which will follow the alternate universe version of the Trickster God (who we saw in Avengers: Endgame) and his exploits. Loki actor Tom Hiddleston himself took it upon himself to explain the character’s appeal in the most recent issue of Empire magazine.
“The arc of Loki in Thor is very poignant and full of pathos,” explained in the interview. “He begins that film as Thor’s brother, and Thor is heir to the throne. I think he genuinely loves his brother, but possibly has some deep jealousy or unspoken resentment about the favour that his elder brother has seen from his mother and father. Loki is awakening to his origins and birth, and that’s been withheld from him.”
Hiddleston added that although is a deceptive and dangerous character, his progression is also marked by marked vulnerability and pain, and it is this sense of pathos which makes it easier for MCU fans to empathize with him.
“(Loki’s) progression to antagonist has a lot of vulnerability and pain inside it,” Hiddleston added. “So that even by the end of Thor, when Loki is the villain, the audience could see that it had come from a very poignant well of heartbreak and loneliness and confusion.”
Do you agree with Loki actor Tom Hiddleston on why his character appeals to MCU fans? Let us know in the comments.
Loki premieres on Disney+ on July 11, 2021.
