Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Image Source: We Got This Covered
Tom Hiddleston has some thoughts to share.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki (The God of Mischief) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shared his thoughts on Loki's coming out as bisexual in the show "Loki".
The actor explained that his character's coming out was a step toward portraying the character's sexuality on-screen, as it was originally described in the comic book. In the third episode of the show, Loki reveals to Lady Loki, played by Sophia Di Martino, that he has had romantic relationships with both princes and princesses in the past. This was seen by Lady Loki and the audience as his coming out as bisexual.
Tom Hiddleston said that he was honored when the makers decided to give his character a show with "Loki" as a lead as he shared that they all wanted to retain the integrity of the character, explaining that he did not want the character to lose the parts of him that the audience admired and had appreciated for so long just because it was a new concept. He added that when he was done filming for Loki on Avenger: Infinity War, his end seemed conclusive and real and said that he was surprised and delighted when he heard of the series. Tom also said that he thinks that coming out of Loki as bi-sexual was meaningful.
The actor described how people were quick to notice that he had come up with a dialogue, which was a small step, but added that it was very important for all of them at that moment. Sophia Di Martino also shared that Loki’s sexuality meant so much to the director, Kate Herron, who wanted that to be represented in the show. The actress said that people have been waiting for this for a long time, as it is mentioned in the comic book and even in the Norse mythology. Sophia added that it was important for her and for everyone who worked on the show and seeing people’s reactions to his coming out made everyone happy.
When there were people who celebrated his coming out, there were some like Russell T. Davies, who called it a "sin" and "queer as folk". Russell said that the makers boiled down Loki’s sexuality to a single line of dialogue and then never cared to mention it again. He further described that Loki made one reference that he was bisexual and everyone went on being like, "It’s a pansexual show, but it was just one word, "prince." The creator slammed the show by stating, "Thank you, Disney! Aren’t you marvelous?", before adding that it’s pathetic and ridiculous, a feeble gesture towards the vital politics and stories that should be told.
Kate Herron shared on Twitter that when she got on board with the project, she was very clear in her mind and her goal that Loki was bisexual and it’s a part of who he is and who she is, and added that she understands that it’s a small step towards bigger things, but she is extremely happy with the way it was portrayed on-screen. Kate, in another interview, shared that she is now looking forward to the Marvel Universe exploring the character’s sexuality.
She said that she does not know the plans for the future Loki but she is focused on this story for now, but she added that a part of her thinking was that if that canon has been acknowledged, then maybe there is hope for more road to travel with that aspect of his personality and she hopes it has. Tom Hiddleston shared in an interview that Owen Wilson asked him about what was about Loki that he loved to which Tom replied that he believes that it's because the character has such a wide variety of emotions, he loves to play him on-screen. The actor added that Loki as a character is like a piano capable to playing both light and heavy keys.
Loki is now streaming on Disney+. One of the characteristics of the series that sets it apart from other Marvel Studios television productions to date is Tom Hiddleston's chemistry with co-star Owen Wilson. When the time comes, the actor is eager to return to the set and begin filming the second season.
