Loki | |
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Marvel Cinematic Universe character | |
![]() Tom Hiddleston appearing in character as Loki at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con | |
First appearance | Thor (2011) |
Last appearance |
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Based on | |
Adapted by | |
Portrayed by | Tom Hiddleston Ted Allpress (young; Thor) |
In-universe information | |
Full name | Loki Laufeyson[1] |
Aliases | Loki Odinson Dan B. Cooper Variant L1130 (2012 variant) |
Species | Jotunn (Frost Giant) |
Title | |
Affiliation |
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Weapon |
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Family | |
Significant other | Sylvie (2012 variant) |
Origin | Jotunheim |
Nationality | Asgardian |
Loki Laufeyson,[1] also known by adoption as Loki Odinson and by his title as the God of Mischief,[2][3] is a character portrayed by Tom Hiddleston in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name, Loki was introduced in the film Thor (2011) and has since become a recurring staple in the MCU. As of 2023[update], the character has appeared in seven films and headlined the live-action series Loki (2021), while alternate timeline versions, or "variants", of Loki from within the multiverse have featured in Loki, the animated series What If...? (2021)[5] and the animated short film The Good, the Bart, and the Loki (2021).[6]
As in the comics, Loki is depicted as Thor's adoptive brother and nemesis, a master of Asgardian magic and sorcery, and a supervillain who regularly returns from apparent death. Loki's jealousy of Thor for being the crown prince of Asgard brings them into conflict. Following a failed plot to take the Asgardian throne for himself, Loki attempts to conquer Earth by subjugating humanity, inadvertently resulting in the formation of the Avengers. Though defeated and imprisoned, Loki manages to replace his adoptive father, Odin, as the ruler of Asgard. He becomes an antihero when he aids Thor in saving Asgard from Hela but Thanos kills him soon after.
A variant of Loki from 2012 is recruited by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and encounters variants of himself, including a female variant named Sylvie, becomes a superhero and ultimately sacrifices his freedom to maintain the multiverse.
Loki is considered a fan-favorite character in the franchise and Hiddleston's performance has received praise from critics and audiences.