How Kenneth Branagh Changed Tom Hiddleston’s Career Forever: The Surprising Path to Becoming Loki
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Tom Hiddleston’s association with the character Loki has spanned more than a decade, and the bond between the actor and the God of Mischief is deeper than most superhero portrayals. From his initial casting in 2009 to his recent return as Loki in Avengers: Doomsday, Hiddleston’s journey with the character has evolved into a fascinating story of creative exploration, personal dedication, and literary inspiration.
The Beginning of a Legendary Relationship
Hiddleston’s journey into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began almost accidentally. Initially auditioning for the role of Thor in Thor (2011), Hiddleston’s classical training and towering figure made him a fit for the Norse god. However, director Kenneth Branagh, who had worked with Hiddleston before in Shakespearean theater, saw something in him that suited the role of Loki instead. Branagh’s decision, guided by their prior collaboration in Ivanov (2008) and Wallander (2008), would prove to be a turning point for both men.
As Hiddleston reflected in interviews, Branagh’s belief in him had a “life-changing effect.” His friendship with Branagh, rooted in their shared theatrical background, laid the foundation for Hiddleston’s career-defining role. Loki, the misunderstood antihero and adoptive brother to Thor, became Hiddleston’s breakout character, one that would not only define his career but also grow with him over the years.
A Legacy Across Media
Since his first appearance in Thor (2011), Hiddleston has embodied Loki in numerous MCU projects, making the character one of the most iconic villains in superhero cinema. The following table highlights his numerous appearances:
| Year | Project | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Thor | Portrayed Loki, began MCU role |
| 2012 | The Avengers | Reprised Loki, iconic fight with Thor |
| 2013 | Thor: The Dark World | Played Loki again |
| 2017 | Thor: Ragnarok | Reprised Loki, significant box office hit |
| 2018 | Avengers: Infinity War | Appeared as Loki, major MCU crossover |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame | Appeared as Loki, pivotal in finale |
| 2021–2023 | Loki (Disney+) | Starred and executive produced, Seasons 1 & 2 |
| 2021 | What If…? | Voiced Loki in animated series |
| 2021, 2022 | The Simpsons Shorts | Voiced Loki in two shorts |
This extensive list underscores Hiddleston’s versatility, with Loki becoming a fan-favorite character. Notably, his role in Loki on Disney+ saw him executive producing the series and delving deeper into the character’s complexities, especially in its second season, which aired in late 2023.
Deep Preparation and “Loki School”
What sets Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki apart is his unusually thorough preparation for the role. Hiddleston embarked on a “deep dive” into Loki’s comic book origins, Norse mythology, and cultural references, seeking to understand not just the character’s motivations but his place within the broader narrative of the MCU. In interviews, Hiddleston shared how he even studied Wagner’s The Ring Cycle and the physicality of Jim Carrey’s performance in The Mask to understand the duality of Loki’s charm and chaos.
In the creation of the Loki series, Hiddleston took this preparation a step further, founding what became known as “Loki School.” In this informal “class,” he taught the creative team about the character’s ten-year history in the MCU, focusing on his emotional arc. As Hiddleston described to Entertainment Weekly, Loki’s emotional range was vast—“88 keys on the piano,” ranging from light, witty moments to profound emotional depth. His deep connection to the character was crucial in shaping the series, influencing not only his own portrayal but the evolution of Loki’s relationships with other characters, including Mobius (played by Owen Wilson) and Sylvie.
The “Strange” Literary Influence
Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of Hiddleston’s connection to Loki is his use of T.S. Eliot’s poetry to inform his performance, particularly in Loki Season 2. Hiddleston introduced his castmates and creative team to the poet’s Four Quartets, drawing inspiration from lines like “We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” This profound literary influence brought a unique intellectual dimension to the character, allowing Hiddleston to bring existential and philosophical themes into a mainstream superhero series.
The infusion of high art into the Loki narrative was notably “strange” for a superhero series, blending the complexity of Eliot’s poetry with the often whimsical and explosive world of the MCU. This approach led to the exploration of themes such as purpose, destiny, and redemption—key elements that drove the emotional arcs of Loki, Mobius, and Sylvie in Season 2, which aired in late 2023.
Recent Developments and Future
As of April 2025, Hiddleston’s relationship with Loki is far from over. His upcoming appearance in Avengers: Doomsday marks his first return as Loki since the Loki series’ Season 2 finale. The continuation of his involvement in major MCU projects suggests that the bond between Hiddleston and Loki will continue to evolve, potentially influenced by the established methods and depth of character development he has brought to the role over the years.
Hiddleston’s ongoing dedication to Loki is a testament to the unique connection he has formed with the character—a relationship that began almost accidentally but has since become a defining aspect of his career. From a Shakespearean-trained actor to the God of Mischief, Hiddleston’s journey with Loki is one of artistry, intellectual exploration, and creative growth. As Loki’s journey continues within the MCU, it’s clear that Hiddleston’s portrayal of the character will remain as dynamic and transformative as ever.