Before audiences ever saw Loki on screen, Kevin Feige had already decided his fate within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Hiddleston himself has recently recalled how the president of Marvel Studios revealed to him, before the release of Thor in 2011, that his character would be the villain responsible for bringing the Avengers together for the first time.
The revelation is particularly interesting now because Hiddleston has spoken about the subject again during his appearance at the Zurich Film Festival, where he presented his film Tenzing and received the Golden Eye award. His comments also come at a key moment: the actor is part of the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, which has reignited interest in Loki's journey within the Marvel universe.
The conversation that shaped Loki’s path
According to Hiddleston, Feige was very direct with him before Thor hit theaters. He explained that the film would not be a standalone project, but part of a much bigger plan that Marvel Studios had already designed.
The producer detailed that, after Iron Man, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger would follow, and that all of these characters would eventually come together in The Avengers. The team would be made up of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk and Hawkeye.
To bring that group together, Marvel needed a threat capable of forcing them to act as one. That role, Feige explained to Hiddleston, would belong to Loki.
An idea born in the comics of 1963
To justify the choice, Feige turned directly to the comics. Loki was the villain of The Avengers #1, published in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and Marvel wanted to bring that same dynamic to the big screen.
In that original issue, Loki manipulates Hulk as part of a plan against Thor. His actions inadvertently end up bringing together Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, Wasp and Hulk himself. Loki's attempt to harm his brother ends up giving rise to one of the most important teams in the Marvel universe.
There is also a notable difference compared to the cinematic universe: in that first comic, Captain America doesn't even appear. Steve Rogers didn't join the team until The Avengers #4, when the Avengers found his frozen body and managed to revive him.
A relationship with the character that has spanned more than a decade
Hiddleston has also recalled the role of the late screenwriter Don Payne in building Loki's complex story, as well as the connection he formed with Chris Hemsworth during the filming of Thor.
The actor has admitted that he never imagined he would play the character for so long, and has highlighted the depth and multiple layers he has discovered in Loki over the years.
From his debut in Thor to Avengers: Endgame, Hiddleston has brought Loki to life in six feature films, in addition to starring in both seasons of the Loki series on Disney+.
Loki’s return in Avengers: Doomsday
The character will appear again in Avengers: Doomsday, in a storyline directly linked to the Multiverse that the Loki series itself helped develop.
During his appearance in Zurich, Hiddleston avoided giving details about the film. When pressed by reporters, he simply replied that the movie is coming, without offering further information.
Interest in his return has grown following the ending of the second season of Loki, which left the character in a very particular position within the Multiverse. How Marvel will resolve that situation in Avengers: Doomsday is one of the most discussed questions among fans of the franchise.
What is certain is that, more than fifteen years after that initial conversation with Feige, Loki remains a key piece in the major Avengers events, though this time he may not be on the villains' side.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kevin Feige tell Tom Hiddleston that Loki would be the Avengers’ villain?
According to Hiddleston, the conversation took place before the release of Thor in 2011, when Feige explained Marvel Studios' long-term plan to him.
In which comic did Loki appear as the Avengers’ original villain?
Loki was the antagonist of The Avengers #1, published in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
In how many films has Tom Hiddleston played Loki?
Hiddleston has brought Loki to life in six feature films, from Thor to Avengers: Endgame, in addition to both seasons of the Loki series on Disney+.
Will Loki appear in Avengers: Doomsday?
Yes, Tom Hiddleston is part of the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, where his character will return in a storyline related to the Multiverse.
Why is this revelation relevant now?
It has gained traction because Hiddleston recently shared it at the Zurich Film Festival, amid anticipation surrounding his return in Avengers: Doomsday.