Tom Hiddleston’s Secret Plans for Loki’s Legacy: ‘There Are 1,000 Things I Haven’t Done Yet’

Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki, the God of Mischief in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has captivated audiences for nearly 15 years. From his debut in Thor (2011) to his multiple appearances in The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, and beyond, as well as in the Disney+ series Loki (2021-2023), Hiddleston’s dedication to the character is undeniable. In recent interviews, he has shared his reflections on the role, revealing what he always hoped to achieve with Loki—a journey of self-discovery, philosophical depth, and a lasting legacy.

A Journey of Purpose and Self-Discovery

Hiddleston’s commitment to evolving Loki’s character over the years is perhaps most evident in his exploration of purpose. One of the key moments in Loki’s journey comes from his iconic line in The Avengers (2012): “I am Loki of Asgard and I am burdened with glorious purpose.” This statement, initially filled with arrogance and grandiosity, became a central theme for the character. By the end of Loki season 2, 14 years after Hiddleston first stepped into the role, Loki’s purpose had dramatically shifted. His final words—”I know what I want. I know what kind of god I need to be. For you. For all of us”—marked the culmination of a deep transformation, reflecting a profound evolution in his understanding of self and his place in the world.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Hiddleston discussed this shift, noting how the character’s quest for purpose resonated with universal human experiences. “Loki’s journey was about exploring the question: Can someone change their fate? Can they overcome their predetermined path?” This exploration of free will versus predestination, central to Loki’s character arc, was a theme Hiddleston found personally meaningful. Over the course of 14 years, as he aged from 29 to 42, Hiddleston’s personal investment in Loki’s growth mirrored the broader journey of rediscovery that many people experience as they mature.

Humanizing Loki: Making Him Relatable and Memorable

While Loki’s mischievous nature has always been central to his character, Hiddleston sought to elevate the role by humanizing him. Drawing on a variety of influences—from Old Norse mythology to Richard Wagner’s operas—Hiddleston aimed to give Loki emotional depth and relatability. In a June 2024 article from Backstage, Hiddleston quoted George Bernard Shaw’s description of life as a “splendid torch,” likening Loki to that torch. “Loki is ‘a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment,’ and I want to make it burn as brightly as I can before passing it on to future generations,” he said. This statement encapsulates Hiddleston’s belief in giving the character emotional weight, ensuring that Loki would not simply be remembered as a villain but as a complex, multidimensional figure with human feelings and motivations.

Themes of Identity, Family, and Legacy

At the heart of Loki’s evolution, according to Hiddleston, are themes of identity and family. In his Vanity Fair interview, Hiddleston explained that Loki’s journey was as much about self-exploration as it was about reconnecting with his family—particularly his brother Thor and his adoptive father, Odin. The search for meaning within family dynamics, Hiddleston believes, is a theme that resonates universally, regardless of background.

This idea was further reflected in his discussions about Loki’s philosophical nature. As Hiddleston put it in a NBC Insider interview, “Loki’s arc was about discovering who he really is and what kind of god he should be. It speaks to the human quest for purpose and identity that everyone grapples with, especially within the context of family.” The complexity of Loki’s relationships—his deep love for his family, his internal conflict, and his ongoing struggle for acceptance—made the character’s evolution all the more powerful and relatable.

A Legacy with Endless Potential

As Loki’s journey continues to unfold on-screen, Hiddleston remains optimistic about the character’s legacy and future potential. In a September 2024 CBR interview, he expressed that, despite his years of playing the character, there are still “1,000 things” left for Loki to explore. This statement reflects Hiddleston’s belief that Loki is a character with endless depth and opportunities for growth. While Hiddleston has been a steward of Loki’s legacy, he has also emphasized that the role belongs to future generations as well. His desire to “pass the torch” is indicative of his understanding that Loki’s story is not just his own but part of a larger cultural and cinematic narrative.

Conclusion: A Character with Lasting Impact

Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki has been marked by his deep personal connection to the character and his desire to explore themes that resonate with audiences. From questioning purpose and fate to humanizing the God of Mischief, Hiddleston’s approach to Loki has transformed the character into one of the most memorable and complex figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As he continues to reflect on the legacy of his role, it’s clear that Loki’s journey is far from over—and, for Hiddleston, the character will always remain a “splendid torch,” burning brightly for years to come.