Tom Hiddleston Reveals Why He’ll Always Love Playing Loki: “The Best Job in the World!”

Tom Hiddleston’s career spans a wide array of genres, from the stage to film and television, showcasing his immense versatility and charm. Known for his engaging performances in both blockbuster hits and Shakespearean tragedies, Hiddleston’s career trajectory offers insight into the roles he repeatedly gravitates toward. This article explores the characters that Hiddleston seems to never tire of playing, based on his own reflections and his expansive body of work.

Background and Career Overview

Born on February 9, 1981, in London, Hiddleston’s acting career began with significant stage roles, which established him as a respected performer early on. His theater work included acclaimed performances in Journey’s End (1999), Cymbeline (2007), and Ivanov (2008), earning him a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Newcomer in a Play for his role in Cymbeline. His transition into film began with his debut in Unrelated (2007), but it was his role as the God of Mischief, Loki, in Thor (2011) that skyrocketed him to international fame. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, this role would become a defining part of his career, leading to multiple sequels and appearances across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Focus on Loki: The Role He Never Tires Of

Arguably Hiddleston’s most iconic role is that of Loki, the mischievous yet deeply layered character from the Thor and Avengers films. Over the years, Loki has become not only a fan favorite but a cornerstone of Hiddleston’s career, appearing in six MCU films, including The Avengers (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), as well as the Disney+ series Loki (2021-2023).

Hiddleston’s passion for the role is evident in his reflections on the character. In a September 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, he expressed his deep appreciation for Loki’s global impact: “I go out into the world and I meet young people or children, and they’re so amazed that they’re meeting Loki. I’m obviously not Loki, but the response is so immediate and so emotional and so joyful. What a gift. It’s the best job in the world.” This statement highlights the profound emotional connection Hiddleston feels toward the character and the joy he derives from his role. He also shared how he never imagined being a part of something that would resonate with so many people across the globe, suggesting that Loki has become more than just a role for him—it’s a rewarding and enduring part of his career.

Hiddleston’s ongoing return to Loki, even after so many films, reflects the depth of his attachment to the character. This continued involvement underscores the actor’s satisfaction with playing the God of Mischief, who remains one of the MCU’s most beloved antiheroes.

Theater Roles: A Passion, But Less Specific

In addition to his work in film and television, Hiddleston has maintained a strong connection to the theater. His performances in Shakespearean plays such as Coriolanus (2013-2014) and Hamlet (2017) have showcased his incredible range as an actor. His Broadway debut in Betrayal (2019) earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play, further cementing his reputation as a versatile performer across all mediums.

However, unlike his ongoing relationship with Loki, Hiddleston has not publicly expressed the same level of attachment to specific theater roles. His theater work tends to be more episodic, with each production being a one-off engagement rather than a recurring role. While Hiddleston has often spoken about his passion for theater and the thrill of performing on stage, there are no direct quotes or indications suggesting he feels as though he could never tire of a particular theater role. His comments in interviews typically focus on his investment in the character at hand, without a specific attachment to one particular production over others.

Other Notable Roles: A General Investment in His Work

Beyond Loki and the stage, Hiddleston has played a range of memorable characters, from the suave Jonathan Pine in The Night Manager (2016), which earned him a Golden Globe Award, to F. Scott Fitzgerald in Midnight in Paris (2011). While these roles are certainly significant in Hiddleston’s filmography, they are less frequently described as roles he “never tires of” compared to his consistent love for Loki. In interviews, Hiddleston has spoken enthusiastically about his work in projects like The Hollow Crown (2012), where he portrayed Prince Hal, but his comments about these roles tend to highlight his appreciation for the craft rather than an attachment to any particular character.

For instance, in Interview Magazine, Hiddleston discussed the rewarding aspects of his diverse roles but did not express a particular fondness for any one part as he does with Loki. His investment in each role is clear, but it is the recurring nature of his involvement with Loki that stands out as the role Hiddleston continues to return to with unwavering enthusiasm.

Conclusion: A Deep Connection to Loki

While Tom Hiddleston’s career spans a remarkable variety of roles, it is clear that his portrayal of Loki stands as the role he never tires of playing. The emotional depth, the global impact, and his personal connection to the character have made Loki a defining and enduring part of his career. Whether he’s fighting alongside the Avengers or engaging in time-bending mischief in his own Disney+ series, Hiddleston’s passion for Loki remains unwavering, making it a role he continues to embrace wholeheartedly. As Hiddleston’s career evolves, one thing remains clear: Loki is a role that will always be a central part of his legacy.