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One of the key aspects of Loki’s character in the Marvel universe is his ability to shapeshift. Loki has been portrayed in various forms, both male and female, reflecting an unrestricted gender identity. In Norse mythology, Loki has even taken on the roles of both mother and father to multiple offspring. While this aspect has not been extensively explored in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it was subtly referenced in Disney+’s recent series Loki.
Prior to the premiere of Loki, a teaser revealed a snippet from his Time Variance Authority file indicating his gender as “Fluid.” Director Kate Herron confirmed that this was an intentional decision.
“I would say that details are marked in but it is something acknowledged,” Herron told Insider. “He’s gender fluid in the Norse mythology and the comics and it felt like an important thing to, as you say, make sure it’s canon.”
“I know how many people identify with Loki in particular and are eager for that representation, especially with this character,” head writer Michael Waldron told Inverse. “We worked really hard.”
POV: You’ve just arrived at the TVA ? Marvel Studios’ #Loki starts streaming Wednesday on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/mZvuDUjbMy
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) June 6, 2021
Tom Hiddleston, who portrays Loki, emphasized that this inclusion is not merely a fleeting trend of being “woke.”
“It’s always been there in the comics for some time and in the history of the character for hundreds, if not thousands of years,” Hiddleston said.
“Breadth and range of identity contained in the character has been emphasized and is something I was always aware of when I was first cast 10 years ago.
“I know it was important to Kate Herron and Michael Waldron and to the whole team. And we were very aware, this is something we felt responsible for.”
Loki is currently available for streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released every Wednesday. Be sure to catch the first episode if you haven’t already, it’s truly remarkable.
