Tom Hiddleston, who has portrayed Loki, the god of mischief, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, has seemingly said goodbye to the character following the conclusion of Loki season 2. The actor first appeared as Loki in 2011’s Thor and has since reprised roles in several movies and a TV show within the universe. During which his character underwent significant character development, going from villain to hero.
Hiddelston’s latest appearance as the god of mischief is in the second season of the hit Disney+ show, Loki. Which picks up from the season 1 finale in which Sylvie killed He who remains. Thereby endangering the timelines and the Time Variance Authority (TVA). For most of the season, Loki struggles to save his friends, the timeline, and the TVA. But in the season 2 finale, he finally realizes his “glorious purpose” and makes the ultimate decision to become the God of Stories.
This development has led fans to believe that Loki has completed his redemption, and as such, Hiddleston will exit the MCU. Hiddleston, on his part, reflected on Loki’s journey in a recent interview with Jimmy Fallon. While also examining how the Loki finale concludes his journey. Thereby giving him the perfect opportunity to depart from Marvel.
He said, without giving away spoilers:”I will say this; it all comes full circle.” “It’s the conclusion to Seasons 1 and 2, and it’s also the conclusion to six films, 12 episodes, and 14 years of my life. 14 years. I was 29 when I was cast; I’m 42 now. It’s been a journey.”
“In the finale, there are echoes and resonances of every version of Loki I’ve played.” He added “I think we all wonder if we’re in charge of our own story,” He continued. “Can a leopard change his spots? Do we have any free will? And in exercising your free will, you make choices in your own life. Every choice you make adds up to the picture of your life. And do those choices inform your purpose? And I think all of us, as people, want happy lives, but we also want lives with a purpose. And that’s really what the show is talking about.”
Further, Hiddleston’s comment implies that he is done portraying Loki in the MCU. It does not definitively confirm his exit from the MCU. Furthermore, while discussing the possibilities of Loki season 3, executive producer Kevin Wright stated that “Season 2 was about closing that book, but there are many other books on the shelf for this character and for this world.” This statement also implies that there’s a chance Loki might return in the future.