Tom Hiddleston and Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s Drama School Bond Shines in ‘Loki’—Why It Made Filming ‘The Best Fun’
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her roles in The Morning Show and Black Mirror, entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Loki in 2021, portraying the formidable Judge Ravonna Renslayer. Joining her on set was Tom Hiddleston, who has become synonymous with the character of Loki since his debut in Thor (2011). Their professional relationship, however, isn’t just a product of the MCU; it’s grounded in years of shared history at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London’s prestigious drama school, where they both studied alongside Loki co-star Wunmi Mosaku.
A Reunion of Drama School Buddies
Mbatha-Raw and Hiddleston’s on-screen collaboration in Loki was special not only because of their characters’ dynamic but also because it marked a reunion of long-time friends. The two actors attended RADA in the early 2000s, with Hiddleston graduating in 2005, Mbatha-Raw in 2004, and Mosaku following in 2007. Their shared history provided a solid foundation for their on-set rapport, adding a layer of comfort and familiarity to the Loki set, especially during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the production of Season 1.
In interviews, Mbatha-Raw shared how this shared background made filming even more enjoyable. Reflecting on her experience, she told People magazine in June 2021 that working with Hiddleston was “the best fun,” highlighting the comfort of being surrounded by drama school friends during such an uncertain time. “It’s really fun to me because I’ve known Tom for a long time… It was lovely actually, with all of the weirdness going on in the world and shooting the show in 2020… to be able to have drama school buddies there,” she said. This sentiment, emphasizing camaraderie and mutual respect, underscored the ease they shared working together.
A Surreal and Comforting Experience
Mbatha-Raw also referred to the experience as surreal in the best possible way. “Every day was the best fun,” she added, recalling how the familiarity of working with Hiddleston and Mosaku made the stressful filming period feel more like a reunion than a job. She reflected on the pride she felt seeing her peers—who had been through the same formative years at RADA—rising in their careers. “There’s just an immense pride of sort of seeing your generation rise,” Mbatha-Raw said in an interview with SPIN1038, describing how the pandemic’s challenges made their bond even more comforting. The natural rapport they had with each other reduced the typical hurdles of getting to know new colleagues, fostering an environment where their work could flourish.
The Impact of Hiddleston’s Loki
Mbatha-Raw also expressed a deep sense of pride in Hiddleston’s success, particularly in his decade-long portrayal of Loki. As one of the MCU’s most iconic characters, Hiddleston’s role as the God of Mischief has garnered widespread recognition. Mbatha-Raw praised his dedication to the character, noting how he “owns” Loki in a way that brings both gravitas and playfulness to the role. This respect for Hiddleston’s portrayal made working with him all the more rewarding for Mbatha-Raw, who herself became a significant character in the MCU.
Beyond the MCU: A Shared Journey
An interesting aspect of their collaboration was the inclusion of Mosaku, another RADA alum. Mbatha-Raw found the opportunity to work alongside her drama school peers even more meaningful, noting how they had all grown together in the industry. This collective journey added depth to their interactions, enriching the narrative of their collaboration. “It’s just really lovely seeing your generation rise,” she said, a sentiment that resonates not just within Loki but across their wider careers.
Conclusion: A Relationship Rooted in Respect and History
The collaboration between Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Tom Hiddleston on Loki was far more than just a professional pairing. It was a reunion of friends with a shared history, a deep respect for one another, and a mutual pride in their collective achievements. Filming Loki, especially in the midst of a global pandemic, brought these long-time drama school friends together in a way that felt both surreal and comforting, allowing their chemistry to shine through. As the MCU continues to evolve, their continued collaboration—both on-screen and off—remains a testament to the lasting bonds forged in the halls of RADA.
