Highlights
Loki season 2 includes a reference to Daniel Craig's scrapped Doctor Strange 2 character, adding to the show's string of easter eggs.
Loki season 2 received a positive reception, captivating fans with its episodes that cleverly incorporated hidden references for them to discover. The introduction of Balder the Brave in season 2 leaves fans speculating about a potential reunion between Loki and Thor, while also pondering the tantalizing possibility of Daniel Craig joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In the latest season of Loki, there are hidden references to Daniel Craig's unused character from Doctor Strange 2, adding to a series of similar Easter eggs throughout the show's second season.
Loki follows the story of the God of Mischief's variant, who reluctantly becomes a part of the Time Variance Authority, a secretive organization that oversees the timeline beyond the constraints of space and time. The first season of the show received widespread praise from fans, leading to high anticipation for the second season. This excitement only grew after the disappointment of Secret Invasion, as Loki season 2 on Disney Plus seemed to promise a better viewing experience for fans.
Loki season 2 made its debut on Disney Plus and received a positive response, quickly advancing to the midway point. Each episode is filled with clever hidden references for dedicated fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to uncover, and the third episode, which was recently released, is no different. In a particular scene, Loki and Mobius find themselves immersed in the 1893 World Fair in Chicago while searching for Ravonna Renslayer. While exploring the fairgrounds, they stumble upon three statues. The first two statues portray the well-known figures Odin and Thor, but the third statue introduces a new addition to the MCU: Balder the Brave. Interestingly, Craig was initially cast to portray Balder in Doctor Strange 2, but the character ultimately got cut from the film.
Craig's Marvel casting rumors were initially denied, but it was eventually confirmed that he was meant to portray Thor's half-brother Balder. Unfortunately, this portrayal never progressed beyond a watercolor render seen by fans. In the Illuminati HQ scene, there was a deleted scene featuring Balder's corpse, offering fans a closer glimpse of the potential position Craig's Balder would have had. The inclusion of this easter egg in Loki season 2, along with references to Zaniac and the X-Men in previous episodes, further integrates the Loki series into the wider MCU and paves the way for a potential reunion between Loki and his brother Thor.
Many fans believe that Loki, being the craftier brother, should play a more prominent role in the next Thor movie, possibly serving as the culmination of his character's story. The appearance of Balder in the second season is a satisfying easter egg, but Loki's comments on the statues also suggest a growing desire for a long-awaited reunion. The decision to not include Craig's Balder in the MCU may be seen as a missed opportunity, especially now that it has been alluded to in the popular small-screen franchise. Whether Craig will be recast in a different role or if Balder will be included in future projects remains unknown, leaving fans to speculate.
Despite recent controversy surrounding the Majors, an executive from Loki finally addressed the issue, indicating that the show's second season continues to thrive. Despite fan weariness towards the franchise, many viewers are still captivated by Hiddleston's performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The anticipation for the remaining episodes and the future of the titular trickster character remains high among fans. Those interested can stream Loki on Disney Plus.
Source: Loki