WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Loki Episode 4, "The Nexus Event," now streaming on Disney+.
Loki showrunner Michael Waldron spoke to the "foundational pillar" of Loki's character, suggesting that the Asgardian's loneliness is central to who he is.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Waldron discussed some of the show's biggest events and offered some insight on the characters and production. When asked about star Tom Hiddleston's input on the series, Waldron said that Hiddleston identified Loki's loneliness as something that the show should investigate.
"We talked a lot about the first Thor movie and the work that he did with Kenneth Branagh, building that character and everything," Waldron said. "Something that struck me was Tom identified Loki's loneliness as a foundational pillar of the character. That was really rich, I thought."
Hiddleston famously taught "Loki School" to Loki's cast and crew in order to bring them up to speed on the character's backstory in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He covered everything from costumes to stunts, as well as how he felt emotionally in each film. Hiddleston has previously been called a "collaborative actor" by Disney Studios marketing president Asad Ayaz. And according to Waldron, Hiddleston's input and thoughts on his character had a direct impact on the narrative of the show.
"I've felt that's been an interesting thing to excavate in the show and particularly in Episode 4 in that interaction with Lady Sif and the time loop and everything," Waldron explained. "That loneliness, the fact that he's alone, that's part of what makes his life so difficult. That was a thing that came straight out of Tom and I's conversations together."
Waldron refers to a moment in Episode 4 where Agent Mobius places Loki in a time prison in order to "marinate." The time prison sees Loki being perpetually told that he's always going to be alone, which, as the episode continues, Loki begins to analyze more thoroughly. Loki has seen its titular character express vulnerabilities in the face of uncertainty -- whether it be Agent Mobius' interrogation tactics or his realized feelings for his Variant, Sylvie. According to Waldron, these vulnerabilities and fears of being alone are what makes Loki who he is.
Created by Michael Waldron and directed by Kate Herron, Loki stars Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Owen Wilson as Mobius M. Mobius, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Ravonna Renslayer, Wunmi Mosaku as Hunter B-15, Tara Strong as Miss Minutes, Eugene Cordero as Casey, Sasha Lane as Hunter C-20 and Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie, with Richard E. Grant and Jack Veal. New episodes premiere Wednesdays on Disney+.