Warning! Contains spoilers for Loki episode 4.

The fourth episode of Loki introduced Alligator Loki, begging the question: why is there a reptilian variant? Loki episode 4’s post-credits scene reveals new Loki variants, including an alligator wearing Loki’s signature crown. It’s undoubtedly an odd addition, especially considering how Alligator Loki has no comic book origin. However, the show has proven itself to be not only a deeper dive into the beloved character’s complexity but an expansion of the MCU’s overarching Phase 4 idea of multiple timelines as well. The existence of Alligator Loki is therefore not entirely outside the realm of possibility, nor is it without meaning.

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Sylvie’s introduction as Lady Loki, a woman variant of the God of Mischief from a different timeline, arguably opened the doors early on for Loki to later introduce more versions of the character. The episode 4 credits scene added multiple Lokis existing in one timeline: Old Loki, Kid Loki, Boastful Loki, and the aforementioned Alligator Loki. At first glance, Old Loki and Kid Loki are direct iterations of their comic book counterparts, while Boastful Loki and Alligator Loki appear to be more original depictions.

Though Loki has yet to concretely explain why one of the Loki variants is an alligator, it’s possible to read Alligator Loki’s existence as a potential mirror for the titular character, much like how episode 3 illustrated the parallels and differences between Loki and Lady Loki. On the one hand, the inclusion of Alligator Loki is most likely a nod to Loki’s propensity for shapeshifting, something audiences have seen him do across multiple MCU projects. And, on the other hand, Alligator Loki could gesture towards Loki’s relationship with Thor and even hint at an expansion of Thor characters in the MCU. In either instance, Alligator Loki could set the stage for something bigger.

Immediately, there’s the reptilian association between Alligator Loki and a story from Loki’s past in the MCU: in Thor: Ragnarok, Thor describes a time when Loki turned himself into a snake as part of a prank. As such, there’s the possibility that, in Alligator Loki’s timeline, Loki transformed into an alligator as part of a similar joke on someone. What’s more, perhaps his being stuck in alligator form is a sort of magical punishment for his pranks. Loki’s powers of illusions and duplication casting (and shapeshifting) have been displayed throughout the MCU, either for grander personal gain or to simply mock other people, but he hasn’t always faced the consequences of it. Considering Loki‘s thematic thread thus far of shining a light on Loki’s past, Alligator Loki could serve as the variant that personifies his trickery, reminding him of his mistakes and urging him to further confront his mischievous nature.

The Loki variant could also be an allusion to the Frog Thor storyline in the comics, which involved Loki turning Thor into a frog. Frog Thor encountered another formerly-human frog named Puddlegulp, who later proves himself worthy of wielding a fragment of Mjolnir, turning him into Throg. With Jane Foster becoming Thor in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder, the MCU is clearly on board for using other versions of Thor. Alligator Loki could be an indication that both Frog Thor and Throg exist somewhere (and sometime) else in the MCU, essentially leaving the door open for their possible introduction in future Thor projects. What’s significant about an allusion to Frog Thor is that it brings the subject of Thor into the series, which is arguably Loki’s most impactful relationship and, interestingly, something the series has yet to fully dive into. After all, Loki’s MCU arc before the series centered on redemption and reparation, especially in relation to Thor.

On its most superficial level, of course, the petite alligator variant, with its cute horned helmet, could solely be a moment of levity for Loki. However, the show finally confirmed that Loki is bisexual, so it’s clear that, after a decade of being in the MCU, there are other facets of his character that can still be explored. At the end of the day, Alligator Loki is still a Loki. There’s certainly more to the variant than meets the eye.

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Loki releases new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.

Key Release Dates
  • Black Widow (2021)Release date: Jul 09, 2021
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)Release date: Sep 03, 2021
  • Eternals (2021)Release date: Nov 05, 2021
  • Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)Release date: May 06, 2022
  • Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)Release date: Jul 08, 2022
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever/Black Panther 2 (2022)Release date: Nov 11, 2022
  • The Marvels/Captain Marvel 2 (2023)Release date: Feb 17, 2023
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)Release date: May 05, 2023
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About The Author


Jericho Tadeo
(25 Articles Published)

Jericho is a freelance writer and editor whose words can be found on The Nerd Daily, Elixuer Magazine, and more. His love for movies started with weekend trips to the theatre with his dad when he was young. This translated into a love for storytelling in general. In addition to journalism, he has written for the stage and screen. He can be reached at jerichotadeo [at] gmail [dotcom].

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