Loki season 2 ended the MCU's best TV show with a satisfying and emotional close for its characters and narrative, but Tom Hiddleston's explanation of Loki's final line makes the finale even better.
In an interview, Hiddleston shared that the final line, "This isn't about you," holds deeper meaning as it signifies Loki's growth and realization of the bigger picture at play. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to explore such a complex character and hopes fans appreciate the journey as much as he did. After realizing that his attempts to fix the loom only further the plans of He Who Remains, Loki makes the selfless decision to become the living guardian and center of the multiverse's ever-expanding timelines. Before he steps out of the failing Temporal Loom and takes his place on his new isolated throne, Loki speaks for one last time to Sylvie and his friends at the TVA.
Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hiddleston explains why the line is so perfect, what it really means, and how it brings Loki's story full circle. Read the quote below:
'I know what I want. I know what kind of god I need to be. For you. For all of us.' It's the line that Loki says to Odin at the end of Thor, and he is—it's a desperate plea for approval and validation. It's a cry for help from a son who feels he doesn't belong, and it doesn't work, and it's heartbreaking. This time, it's Loki who has lived through that moment and understands something much deeper, and it just felt like a kind of, 'I actually now understand. Now I understand what I have to do. It's not about me; it's about you.' This time, Loki realizes that seeking approval and validation from others is not the key to finding his purpose. Instead, he understands that his journey is not about himself but about the greater good and the well-being of others. He grasps the importance of selflessness and the need to put others before himself. Loki now comprehends that by fulfilling his responsibilities and helping others, he can truly find his place and ultimately become the god he aspires to be.
Loki season 2 finished the MCU's finest TV program with a satisfying and emotional ending for its characters and plot, but Tom Hiddleston's explanation of Loki's last words makes the finale even better. After learning that his efforts to restore the loom only promote the intentions of He Who Remains, Loki makes the altruistic choice to become the living guardian and center of the multiverse's ever-expanding timelines. Before he walks out of the failing Temporal Loom and takes his seat on his new isolated throne, Loki talks for one final time to Sylvie and his pals at the TVA. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hiddleston discusses why the statement is so great, what it truly means, and how it brings Loki's narrative full circle. Read the quote below:
Loki began his adventure in the MCU as a popular villain, in large part thanks to Tom Hiddleston's delightful interpretation, although he remained essentially one-dimensional during his first two cinematic appearances. However, when Loki continued to appear in the Thor movies and Avengers: Infinity War, the MCU was able to elaborate upon the complexity of Loki's villainy and turn to heroism. Loki's last sentence at the conclusion of Loki season 2 works on two levels, as it functions as a distinct marker of progress for the variation shown in the Disney+ streaming series and for both incarnations of the character Hiddleston played throughout his tenure in the MCU.
In the beginning, Loki was portrayed as a cunning and deceitful antagonist, constantly plotting against his brother Thor and causing chaos wherever he went. But as the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded, so did Loki's character development. With each subsequent appearance, audiences were given glimpses into the layers of complexity that made up this mischievous god. It was in Thor: Ragnarok that we saw a shift in Loki's character, as he began to question his own motives and consider the greater good. And in Avengers: Infinity War, he made the ultimate sacrifice, redeeming himself in the eyes of his brother and proving that he was capable of growth and selflessness. Despite his past misdeeds, Loki's evolution as a character allowed audiences to empathize with him and see him as more than just a one-dimensional villain. In the end, Loki's journey from a chaotic trickster to a complex antihero showcased the power of character development within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and left fans eagerly anticipating his future appearances.
As noted by Hiddleston, the sentence works in its own right, but it's especially heartbreaking as a recon textualized reflection of Loki's frantic cries to Odin in Thor. By converting the words from a desperate plea from a mistaken son to a strong assertion about Loki's actual beautiful destiny, Loki reveals the great development he endured. It's uncertain whether Hiddleston will appear again in the MCU after Loki, but if not, this phrase and his last moments afterward function as a wonderful finish to one of the MCU's finest character journeys. For example, in Thor: Ragnarok, Loki finally confronts his identity and grapples with his role in the family dynamic. In a pivotal scene, he stands up to his adoptive father, Odin, and declares that he is no longer seeking validation or acceptance from others. This transformation showcases the growth and resilience of Loki's character throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Furthermore, Loki's journey of self-discovery and acceptance is further explored in Avengers: Infinity War. In this film, Loki is faced with the ultimate test of loyalty and redemption as he encounters his brother Thor and the rest of the Avengers in their battle against Thanos. Despite their complicated history, Loki ultimately makes the selfless decision to aid his brother and fight alongside the heroes. This pivotal moment not only showcases Loki's growth as a character but also highlights his ability to put aside his own desires for the greater good. However, a counterexample to Loki's growth and selflessness can be seen in the events of Thor: The Dark World. In this film, Loki fakes his own death and deceives Thor, betraying him and causing chaos in Asgard. This act not only shows Loki's continued selfishness but also undermines any previous notions of his loyalty and redemption.
