Tom Hiddleston’s association with Loki has now spanned a decade and a half, and the actor is far from done with the character that reshaped his career. Fifteen years after first appearing as the God of Mischief in Thor, Hiddleston is set to return to the big screen as Loki in Marvel’s upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release next December.
Following the critically acclaimed two-season run of Loki on Disney+, Hiddleston has been reflecting on the character’s long and unconventional journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor spoke about why Loki continues to resonate with him on a personal level. He shared that his bond with the character is rooted in his enduring fascination with stories centered on redemption and second chances—narratives he was drawn to from a young age. Films like The Shawshank Redemption and theatre productions about rebuilding one’s life left a deep impression on him, reinforcing his belief in the emotional power of transformation.
Loki’s evolution in the MCU has been anything but typical. Introduced as a villain driven by resentment and ambition, the character gradually revealed layers of vulnerability across multiple films. However, it was the standalone Loki series that truly reframed his arc. The show forced Loki to confront the consequences of his past actions, including his failed invasion of Earth, and offered him an opportunity to change the course of his destiny. By the end of the series, Loki had assumed responsibility for safeguarding the multiverse’s timelines, marking a decisive shift from chaos to sacrifice.
According to Hiddleston, this turning point was essential to the character’s growth. The series allowed Loki to reckon with who he had been and choose who he wanted to become—ultimately giving him ownership over his own narrative and its outcome.
As Marvel prepares to enter its next phase, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the franchise. Hiddleston has already completed filming his portions of the film and has hinted that the story will break new ground for the MCU. He described the script as ambitious and surprising, suggesting that audiences can expect something entirely different from what Marvel has done before.
Outside of the superhero universe, Hiddleston remains busy with a diverse slate of projects. He recently worked on the film Tenzing, shot in Nepal, and is also set to return in the new season of The Night Manager, which premieres on January 11.
As anticipation builds for Avengers: Doomsday, Loki’s return promises not just spectacle, but the continuation of one of Marvel’s most nuanced character arcs—one defined by growth, accountability, and the possibility of redemption.