Marvel Star Tom Hiddleston Talks Character Complexity and Unanswered Questions: “I Wonder What He Does Want…”

Marvel Studios has always been praised for its impeccable casting choices, with actors like Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and Chris Hemsworth as Thor becoming iconic figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Among these standout performances, Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki stands out as one of the most inspired decisions. Interestingly, Hiddleston originally auditioned for the role of Thor, but destiny had other plans, casting him as the God of Mischief instead. This casting choice proved to be a masterstroke, as Hiddleston’s nuanced performance has brought depth and charm to a character initially introduced as a villain.

From his debut as the antagonist in 2011’s Thor and his continued villainous role in 2012’s The Avengers, Loki has undergone a significant transformation. Through subsequent films and his own Disney+ series, Loki’s character arc evolved, showcasing him as a friend and even a savior within the MCU. Despite this evolution, Loki remains an enigmatic figure, making it challenging for characters and audiences alike to fully grasp his motivations and desires.

In an insightful interview with Vanity Fair, Hiddleston delved into the intricacies of Loki’s character, sharing the many questions he himself would pose to the trickster if given the chance. Reflecting on Loki’s unpredictable nature, Hiddleston remarked, “You don’t know whether you can trust him; you don’t know what his motivations are. You don’t know why he’s doing what he’s doing. He’s committing acts of provocation and transgression and disruption, and across the films, actually, Thor is always asking him, ‘What is it you want, Loki? Why? What do you really want?’”

Hiddleston revealed that he, too, has pondered these questions, adding, “I’ve always asked myself, ‘I wonder what he does want, and I wonder if he even knows.’” He continued, “And so, the question for me now is, behind all the masks that he wears, is there an authentic self there that he is aware of? Does he even care to know? Is he interested? If he isn’t, is there a situation that might confront him with it? And might that impel any kind of change?”

These questions, Hiddleston noted, resonate deeply with the human experience, touching on themes of identity and self-awareness. “And that in itself is a kind of human question … Can we change? Are we capable of change?” he mused. “Do we know who we are, really? Do we think we know who we are? Do we care? All that stuff about identity and self-knowledge is… When you’re playing with a character as complex and rich as Loki’s, it becomes a really interesting, dramatic question for an actor to play with. So I’ve enjoyed that enormously.”

The success of Loki on Disney+ has cemented Hiddleston’s portrayal as one of the most appreciated projects in recent MCU history. While it remains uncertain whether Hiddleston will reprise his role in future MCU endeavors, fans remain hopeful and eagerly await any updates. In the meantime, they can revisit Loki’s journey and explore his intricate character arc on Disney+, where the series and other Marvel films are available for streaming.

As Marvel continues to expand its universe, the enduring appeal of characters like Loki, brought to life by actors as dedicated as Tom Hiddleston, ensures that the MCU remains a source of captivating storytelling and profound character exploration.