Classic Loki’s Backstory Origin Explained By Show Lead Writer

Loki head writer Michael Waldron explains where the idea for Classic Loki’s backstory came from. After debuting in episode 4’s post-credits scene with Kid Loki, Alligator Loki, and Boastful Loki, Richard E. Grant’s character was introduced properly in this week’s outing of the Marvel Studios’ series. With that, more information about the character was revealed, including his Nexus story.

Grant’s casting for Loki had long been reported, but despite that, Marvel Studios kept his role tightly under the lid until he showed up in the series. There were speculations that he might be Mephisto after WandaVision didn’t introduce the devil amidst countless rumors. Many also speculated that he could be the one behind the TVA. But, as it turned out, he’s playing Classic Loki — complete with the comics-accurate costume.

In Loki episode 5, titled “Journey Into Mystery,” the God of Mischief spent more time with his newly-introduced variants. Each one revealed their respective Nexus events, including Classic Loki, who survived Thanos’ wrath in his timeline’s Avengers: Infinity War. Instead of attacking the Mad Titan using his daggers like MCU’s Loki did, he created a believable projection and faked his death. When he realized that pain followed him wherever he went, Classic Loki self-isolated for many years. This heartbreaking story was born when they discussed the possibility of Loki surviving and growing old, as revealed by Waldron to Marvel.com.

“And I thought, ‘Well, what if that did happen?’ And if it did, in fact, how could he have aged up? How could he have lived out his years in a way that the TVA would never come find him?”

“It was that tragic thing where he finally realizes ‘I’m meant to be alone.’” It is just so sad. There’s a real lesson there for our Loki in that he’s going to reject that notion– that this tiger can change his stripes, and he refuses to be alone. [Loki] wants to do the right thing. [He] wants to see if he can have real companionship in his life.”

While Classic Loki was able to escape Thanos and hide for a long time successfully, he eventually grew tired of hiding and admitted to missing Thor. So, he attempted leaving his hideout, only for the TVA to step in and arrest him. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a lot of time to reveal further information about his story, but it’s clear that all his years in isolation take a toll on him. The variant didn’t explicitly say it, but there seemed to be some resentment towards the TVA for meddling in his life and not allowing him to reunite with Thor and the people of Asgard. Considering how much he’d aged, it means that his brother would’ve also been a lot older than what the MCU is used to with Chris Hemsworth.

In the end, Classic Loki sacrificed his life to help Loki and Sylvie defeat the Alioth. While there’s always a chance that he resurfaces as Lokis are known to survive, his death seemed permanent based on his headpiece that was left lying on the ground. Whether or not he’s gone remains to be seen, but regardless, Marvel Studios can still use him past the events of Loki. It’s safe to say that many would be interested to see his Nexus event on screen.

Source: Marvel.com

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