14 Years, 6 Films, 12 Episodes—Hiddleston Says Loki’s Story Still Has More to Tell

Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been nothing short of a monumental journey, marked by personal and professional growth. From his first appearance in Thor (2011) to his most recent role in Loki Season 2, Hiddleston has brought the mischievous yet complex God of Mischief to life for 14 years. As he prepares to return in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, Hiddleston reflects on the evolution of the character, his own journey, and the lasting impact of playing Loki.

A Journey That Began in 2009

Hiddleston’s journey as Loki began in 2009 when he was cast at the age of 29 for the role of Thor’s villainous brother in Kenneth Branagh’s Thor. Initially auditioning for the role of the mighty Thor, Hiddleston’s casting as Loki was a decision that Branagh made with a leap of faith. In a 2022 interview, Hiddleston acknowledged Branagh’s pivotal role in his career, stating, “Ken gave me my break.” The casting would prove to be life-changing, launching Hiddleston into a decade-long journey that would see Loki evolve from a self-centered villain to a character capable of profound emotional growth and eventual redemption.

A 14-Year Evolution: Loki’s Growth

Over the course of six films—Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame—as well as two seasons of the Loki series, Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki has evolved significantly. Initially, the character was a classic villain, driven by jealousy and anger toward his brother Thor. However, as the MCU expanded, so too did Loki’s character. Hiddleston explored a range of emotions and psychological depth, transforming Loki into a more multifaceted anti-hero, and later, a selfless hero who sacrificed himself to maintain the balance of the multiverse.

Reflecting on the culmination of his work as Loki, Hiddleston said in an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2023, “It’s the conclusion to Season 2. It’s also the conclusion to six films and 12 episodes and 14 years of my life. I was 29 when I was cast, I’m 42 now. It’s been a journey.” The actor noted how the character’s transformation—from a mischievous villain to the God of Stories—mirrored his own personal growth over more than a decade of playing the role.

A Character with Depth

Loki’s psychological journey has been one of the defining aspects of Hiddleston’s performance. The actor described Loki as a character with “so much range,” noting that he was able to play both the lighthearted and the deeply profound sides of the character. Hiddleston delved into Loki’s grief, betrayal, loss, heartbreak, jealousy, and pride, bringing a rich emotional complexity to the role. Loki Season 1 and 2 explored these themes in depth, particularly as Loki confronted his own identity, the consequences of his actions, and the complexity of his relationship with his variants and the Time Variance Authority (TVA).

In a 2024 interview, Hiddleston described his time playing Loki as a “life-changing 15-year journey,” reflecting on the profound impact the role has had on his life and career. “It’s been an extraordinary emotional rollercoaster for the twists and turns,” he said. It’s clear that Loki has become a character of great personal significance to Hiddleston, whose portrayal has allowed him to explore deep emotional territory and showcase his versatility as an actor.

The Season 2 Finale: A Sense of Closure

As Loki Season 2 reached its conclusion in November 2023, there was a sense of closure for both the character and Hiddleston. For many, the Season 2 finale seemed to mark a proper ending to Loki’s arc, especially after his self-sacrifice to preserve the multiverse. Executive producer Kevin R. Wright noted that they wanted the season to feel like a definitive conclusion, but emphasized that “that does not mean that there won’t be more Loki or stories within this world.”

Hiddleston himself reflected on this potential farewell, stating, “In the past, I’ve said goodbye to the character and written my thank you notes… So I think at this point, I keep an open heart and an open mind.” It was unclear at that time if Hiddleston would reprise the role in the future, making the announcement of his return in Avengers: Doomsday all the more surprising.

The Return of Loki in Avengers: Doomsday

In March 2025, it was confirmed that Hiddleston would return as Loki in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in 2026. This announcement raised many questions, particularly considering Loki’s fate at the end of Loki Season 2. Speculation about how Loki could return included the possibility of a Loki variant from another universe or a storyline in which Loki must leave his post at the End of Time to confront a new, greater threat.

In an interview with Variety in April 2025, Hiddleston expressed his excitement for the return, saying, “[I’m] very, very excited… it’s been an extraordinary chapter of my life playing Loki, and it’s not over yet.” Similarly, in a conversation with TikTok creator Max Balegde, he reiterated his enthusiasm, noting, “Very, very excited! It’s really remarkable that I can talk about it… it’s been an extraordinary chapter of my life playing Loki.” This return promises to further explore Loki’s arc and keep fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the MCU.

Conclusion: A Legacy Defined by Loki

As Tom Hiddleston’s journey with Loki continues, it is clear that the character has become an indelible part of his career. From a complex villain to a beloved anti-hero and, ultimately, a sacrificial figure in the multiverse, Loki’s evolution has mirrored Hiddleston’s own growth as an actor. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Loki’s journey is far from over, and it will be exciting to see how Hiddleston continues to bring depth and complexity to this iconic character in the next phase of the MCU.