Disney+ has opened the floodgates for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to not only tell long-form serialized stories, but introduce a multitude of fresh faces to their heroic world.
However, with new characters comes the inevitable veil of secrecy, as Marvel President Kevin Feige is infamous for saving even the most minute details for the finished product.
Upcoming MCU shows like WandaVision , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , and Loki are no exception to Marvel's confidential code. Numerous actors have been allowed to confirm their involvement in upcoming Marvel Studios projects , but when asked about specifics, they seal their lips and throw away the key.
NEWS
While specifics remain under wraps, the Loki series appears to be burdened with glorious purpose. Speaking to Variety, actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw praised Loki director Kate Herron's approach to the massive scope of the MCU:
“I feel like even though you’re dealing with this big universe, she still makes it feel very intimate. She just brings it back down to character and moments and emotions.”
While Mbatha-Raw claims she is not a major "MCU nerd," she says she is excited at the opportunity to work with Tom Hiddleston:.
“Obviously, it’s a big part of our culture, so I had a huge awareness of it and it’s funny because I actually went to drama school at the same time as Tom Hiddleston. Ten years ago when I first came out here to do a TV pilot, ‘Under Covers,’ he was shooting the first ‘Thor’ at the same time. I remember him telling me about this experience of this new movie that he was doing.”
WHAT THIS MEANS
Fans are likely a ways away from hearing specifics about Loki , but it is refreshing to hear positive praise from new MCU talent.
Mbatha-Raw's compliments towards a fellow MCU rookie in Herron should bode well for fans of Loki . With Marvel Studios legends like Robert Downey Jr. and the Russos taking a step back , new talent has a major gold standard to uphold. Hearing internal applause can only bode well for the upcoming show.
It is also fantastic to hear Mbatha-Raw's comments about Herron's ability to "intimacize" the larger-than-life MCU. The strongest aspects of the Marvel flicks are their ability to build authentic human characters, despite their other-worldly aura. Past directors like the aforementioned Russos , as well as the Taika Waititis and the Jon Favreaus of the MCU, have achieved a similar level of intimacy, and it seems like those themes are here to stay.
Knowing Mbatha-Raw and Hiddleston have a prior relationship should only excite fans as they are likely to have natural chemistry on-screen. While Loki is known to make more foes than friends, there's still no telling what kind of relationship the two will have on-screen. Mbatha-Raw's role in Loki is still undisclosed; however, fans should expect more details closer to Loki' s release.
Loki is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ sometime in early 2021.
MCU Writer, Editor, Podcaster
