Loki's Mind-Blowing New MCU Superpower will Leave You Spellbound!
Loki's incredible new superpower in the MCU almost went unused, but thankfully it became a pivotal moment in Season 2 Discover why his shadow abilities surpassed a mundane car chase, making them truly captivating
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Loki season 2, episode 2, "Breaking Brad."
Summary
In Loki season 2, the God of Mischief unveils a fresh ability - employing horned helmets and shadows to apprehend a villain, demonstrating his cunning and quick-wittedness.
Initially, episode 2 had a chase scene blueprint that entailed a high-speed car pursuit, yet the director opted instead for Loki utilizing his shadow powers, steering clear of typical clichés and staying more true to Loki's persona.
The utilization of Loki's shadows not only alludes to his wicked past but also prompts the question of whether he remains a villain or if his efforts to become a hero are proving fruitful. A car chase would not have had the same impact and would not have been aligned with Loki's magical abilities.
Tom Hiddleston's portrayal of the God of Mischief showcased a formidable new power in the second season of Loki, deviating from the original plan for Phase 5 of the series. Marvel Studios' Loki has garnered immense popularity within the MCU, currently standing as the sole Disney+ series to receive a second season. The return of Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Wunmi Mosaku, and numerous others further amplifies the excitement surrounding Loki season 2. As one of the MCU's most enduring characters, Loki was first introduced in 2011's Thor as the adoptive brother and envious adversary of Chris Hemsworth's titular God of Thunder. However, Loki has recently shed his villainous tendencies - to some extent.
Loki's presence in the MCU has spanned over a decade, and Marvel Studios continues to introduce new powers for the God of Mischief that push the boundaries. In the first episode of Loki season 2, titled "Ouroboros," a unique ability called time-slipping is introduced, where Loki is forcefully transported through different points in time. While it may have been resolved, theories speculate that Loki's time-slipping could be instrumental in defeating Kang the Conqueror. In episode 2, "Breaking Brad," Loki gains another unexpected power which proves vital in apprehending Hunter X-5, also known as Brad Wolfe, played by Rafael Casal. However, this outcome was not initially anticipated.
Loki Season 2’s Shadow Moment Almost Didn't Happen
In the opening scenes of "Breaking Brad," Loki and Mobius travel to 1977 London to locate Hunter X-5. The newly introduced character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe had managed to escape and live a life on the Sacred Timeline after finding Sylvie, a female variant of Loki played by Sophia Di Martino. Reluctant to go back to the TVA with Loki and Mobius, X-5 tries to evade capture. However, Loki displays a newfound power, using shadowy figures with horned helmets to immobilize him. This impressive scene showcases Loki's intelligence and quick thinking during an intense moment. Surprisingly, this scene almost didn't happen, as revealed by "Breaking Brad" director Dan Deleeuw in an interview with Variety. Originally, the plan was for a high-speed car chase between Loki and Hunter X-5. However, Deleeuw decided to take a different approach, steering towards a darker side of Loki and stepping away from a conventional chase. Instead, Loki pursues X-5 on foot and ultimately captures him using his shadow manipulation ability. This not only allows Loki to diverge from typical chase scene clichés seen in movies and TV, but also aligns better with Loki's character history, origins, and journey in the MCU.
Why Loki's Shadow Powers Work So Much Better Than A Car Chase
In Loki season 2, episode 2, the question arises as to whether Loki is still a villain or if his efforts to become a hero are proving successful. This debate is accentuated by the clever use of Loki's shadows to apprehend Brad Wolfe. By sporting horned helmets reminiscent of Loki's earlier appearances as a notorious villain in the MCU, "Breaking Brad" effectively pays homage to Loki's origins. Opting for this unique approach, rather than a conventional car chase, adds a significant impact to the scene and aligns well with Loki's magical nature. Don't forget to catch new episodes of Loki on Disney+ every Thursday at 6pm PT/9pm ET.
