Tom Hiddleston’s return as Loki in Avengers: Doomsday suggests intriguing developments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The recent cast announcement from Marvel Studios revealed that twenty-seven familiar faces will reprise their iconic roles, including members of the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four, and several Avengers, alongside the original cast from Fox’s X-Men. However, some key characters are noticeably absent from the roster, such as Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Spider-Man (Tom Holland).
A major highlight of the cast announcement was Hiddleston’s comeback as Loki. The conclusion of Loki season 2 had him sacrificing his freedom to safeguard the Sacred Timeline at the end of time, embracing a role as the God of Stories. This development seemed to indicate a final resting place for Loki, detached from both time and space. Yet, only four years post the series’ end, he is once again poised to participate in a significant conflict, hinting at unexpected turns in his narrative arc.
The Long-Awaited Loki-Thor Reunion
The Promise of a Reunion with Thor in Avengers: Doomsday
During a pivotal moment in Avengers: Infinity War, Loki reassured Thor, saying, “I assure you brother, the sun will shine on us again.”The original Loki met his demise at Thanos’ hands, while a variant of Loki embarked on a redemption journey after Thor and the Avengers inadvertently altered timelines during the Time Heist in Avengers: Endgame. With Avengers: Doomsday, we witness both Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston sharing the screen again since Endgame, reigniting hopes for a crucial Thor and Loki encounter.
Both characters endure profound losses—Thor mourning the absence of family and his home, while the second Loki variant faced the abrupt loss of his freedom. Following the events of Infinity War, Endgame, and the series Loki, both Thor and Loki, now separated from their past selves, may yearn for reunion. Avengers: Doomsday holds promise as the stage for this long-anticipated connection.
Loki’s Essential Role Beyond Reunion Implications
Loki: The Potential Key Figure in Avengers: Doomsday
Historically, Loki was depicted as a significant threat to Earth, initiating chaos in The Avengers and leading to numerous Asgardian casualties in Infinity War. However, Hiddleston’s current take on Loki positions him as the protector of the Marvel multiverse. Without his intervention, the very fabric of the Sacred Timeline could unravel, risking the existence of the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and other beloved characters. The return of Loki for Avengers: Doomsday raises the stakes, hinting at a potential clash involving Doctor Doom.
Loki’s challenge against Doctor Doom could lead to constructive or catastrophic results for the Sacred Timeline. As Avengers: Doomsday teeters between its own narrative and the implications for the sequels, it’s apparent that Doctor Doom will pose a severe threat to Loki’s recent sacrifices, possibly altering the nature of the multiverse as we know it.
Will Loki Survive Avengers: Doomsday?
Doctor Doom’s Ambitions Directly Threaten Loki
Considering Robert Downey Jr. is set to embody Doctor Doom, it’s plausible that his ambitions mirror those of the comic book character God Emperor Doom—intent on dominating and reshaping the multiverse. By conquering Loki’s territory at the end of time, Doctor Doom could threaten both the Sacred Timeline and Loki himself. If Marvel adapts the Battleworld storyline from the comics in Avengers: Secret Wars, it’s likely that Loki’s Sacred Timeline will face destruction or radical reconfiguration.
Given the potential implications for Loki in both Avengers: Doomsday and the ensuing Secret Wars, Loki’s demise seems a compelling narrative choice. While this would elevate Doctor Doom’s menace, it risks undermining Loki’s complex trajectory. The evolution from a mischievous character to a hero carrying the weight of his actions deserves a more fulfilling conclusion than an abrupt death. The return of the God of Stories should not serve merely as a precursor to tragedy, but as a culmination of growth—a fitting tribute to Hiddleston’s legendary portrayal.