As Loki approaches its long-awaited Disney+ debut, a key element of the character has finally been confirmed to be translating into the MCU interpretation of the God of Mischief.
A promotional video for the series released earlier this week noted Loki's gender-fluid identity, meaning that Tom Hiddleston's Asgardian doesn't identify as a fixed gender.
With the premiere approaching, the press circuit for the series is in full swing, and both British star Tom Hiddleston and writer Michael Waldron have commented on Loki's gender fluidity.
HIDDLESTON AND WALDRON ADDRESS LOKI'S GENDER IDENTITY
In a recent interview with Inverse, Loki actor Tom Hiddleston spoke on the recent reveal of his character's gender fluidity.
When asked about the reveal, the MCU veteran described that this element of the character has “always been there in the comics from some time.” Hiddleston went on to explain that even when he was first cast in the role, he was aware of the “breadth and range of identity contained in the character“ that has been “emphasized” in the Disney+ project:
“It's always been there in the comics for some time and in the history of the character for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Breadth and range of identity contained in the character has been emphasized and is something I was always aware of when I was first cast 10 years ago."
The British star detailed that Loki's gender identity was very important to “the whole team” as they were “very aware” of that element of the God of Mischief being “something [they] felt responsible for” when creating the series:
“I know it was important to Kate Herron and Michael Waldron and to the whole team. And we were very aware, this is something we felt responsible for.”
Additionally, series writer Michael Waldron supported Hiddleston's comments, describing that they “worked really hard” on that element of the character given “how many people identify with Loki” and “are eager for that representation:”
“I know how many people identify with Loki in particular and are eager for that representation, especially with this character. We worked really hard.”
Waldron went on to share his belief that Loki's identity is “best experienced in the show” as opposed to “a cis straight white guy giving clunky answers about it.”
Additionally, the Loki and Doctor Strange sequel writer explained that it was “so important” to the series' director Kate Herron that they “did that justice:”
“I think that is best experienced in the show, as opposed to me, a cis straight white guy giving clunky answers about it. That was so important to Kate, that we did that justice. Everyone will have to watch and see.”
COULD THIS REVEAL TEASE LADY LOKI'S DEBUT?
While Loki has been openly recognized as gender-fluid for some time now in Marvel Comics, this is the first time the character's identity has been addressed with regard to the MCU. However, as of now, Loki's gender has only been recognized throughout marketing material and interviews, so it remains unclear whether the series itself will address the subject.
Ever since the announcement of Loki, rumors and theories have circulated that the female version of the character, often dubbed Lady Loki, will make her debut in the Disney+ outing. While this reveal doesn't confirm the debut of Lady Loki is imminent, it certainly adds more credence to the theories. After ten years of the Asgardian prince's involvement in the MCU, it's certainly interesting that Marvel would pick now to reveal that element of the character.
Over the years, the representation of different races, genders, cultures, and sexual orientations has become increasingly expected within Hollywood. Some fans have criticized the MCU heavily for a lack of representation in the past with Captain Marvel being the first female-centric solo film in 2019 and the first openly LGBTQ+ character only having debuted in 2019 as well with Avengers: Endgame. However, it seems Marvel is becoming increasingly focused on improving in this area.
Loki will debut its first episode on June 9, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.
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