While the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were populated primarily by straight white guys, Marvel Studios has worked since then to diversify its lineup of heroes, representing both a broader segment of society and of its own stable of superbeings. It has struggled more with explicitly representing a variety of sexual orientations, though, and took some of its first small steps in 2021 with the Disney+ series Loki. Tom Hiddleston spoke about the experience in a new Q&A with The Guardian.
When asked what it was like to transition the Loki character from the big screen to small with the Loki series on Disney+, Hiddleston said that he was “just really honored to be asked,” and said that his focus was on retaining the integrity of the character.
“I also hope Loki coming out as bisexual was meaningful to people who spotted it. It was a small step, and there’s further to go. But it was definitely important to all of us,” Hiddleston added. The nature of the Q&A session meant that the actor didn’t get to go any deeper than that comment.
When the episode debuted last June, director Kate Herron expressed her happiness on Twitter at being able to bring this element of Loki’s character to the MCU, even using some of the same words as Hiddleston has in this new interview.
From the moment I joined @LokiOfficial it was very important to me, and my goal, to acknowledge Loki was bisexual. It is a part of who he is and who I am too. I know this is a small step but I’m happy, and heart is so full, to say that this is now Canon in #mcu #Loki ???????????? pic.twitter.com/lz3KJbewx8
— Kate Herron (@iamkateherron) June 23, 2021
Variety notes, though, that some parties were not as thrilled with how the reveal was handled. Queer as Folk creator Russel T. Davies called the move “pathetic. It’s a ridiculous, craven, feeble gesture toward the vital politics and stories that should be told.”
While some Disney+ Marvel shows have been one-and-done affairs, Loki has already been confirmed to have Season 2 on the way, revealed in the end credits for the finale of Season 1. Among the others, which include WandaVision, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, What If..?, Hawkeye, and most recently Moon Knight, none have been given second seasons, nor have they been officially canceled. Loki Season 2 does not yet have a premiere date.
