The Shocking Truth Behind a Villain's Fate in MCU Phase 5

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Loki Season 2 Episode 1

Summary

In Loki Season 2, the character O.B. discloses that should Mobius fail, he would face the dire consequence of losing his skin, an outcome deemed more terrible than death. This notion of skin removal has previously been portrayed in the MCU, particularly in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, involving the destiny of the High Evolutionary.

Mobius's reaction implies that experiencing the fate of having one's skin peeled off is so terrifying that even death would be preferable instead.

The MCU has never shied away from depicting death or even fates that are more horrifying than death. This trend continues in Loki season 2, where it has recently been revealed that a particular villain has become a victim of such a fate. With Loki season 2 now in progress, the show explores the consequences of the multiverse and the arrival of Kang. Another mention of a gruesome fate in the latest episodes confirms that it is indeed worse than death. This revelation comes from one of the main characters in Loki.

Loki Season 2, Episode 1 introduces the iconic antihero and his new partner in crime, Mobius, who grapple with Loki's temporal instability and the impending destruction of the Temporal Loom. Their efforts to resolve Loki's visually disturbing predicament lead them to encounter O.B., a captivating new character portrayed by Ke Huy Quan. O.B. serves as the sole Repairs and Advancement employee at the TVA and possesses a remarkable understanding of the inner workings of the organization (he authored the definitive guidebook) and how to rectify the unfolding events. While O.B. holds the key to their success, he also knows that failure could bring about a fate even worse than death for Mobius.

Loki Season 2 Says Skin Peeling Is Worse Than Death

In the middle of Loki Episode 1, titled Ouroboros after Ke Huy Quan's character, Loki and Mobius encountered O.B. for what they believed to be their first meeting. However, O.B. insisted that Mobius had encountered him 400 years earlier, raising suspicion. During the meeting, they discussed a solution to Loki's time-slipping issue, with O.B. explaining the dire consequences of failure. Failure for Loki would result in being erased from all existence, while for Mobius, it would mean losing his skin. Mobius reacted strongly to this possibility, expressing a preference for Loki's fate by saying, “What’s a quality of life with no skin?”

Mobius Confirms The High Evolutionary's Fate Was So Much Worse

This isn't the first time skin peeling has been featured in the family-friendly MCU, despite its macabre nature. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the impeccably designed High Evolutionary had his face torn apart by Rocket Raccoon in response to the murders of their friends. It's clear that this is a terrifying experience, and Mobius' reaction to the possibility of going through it himself suggests that death would be preferable. The High Evolutionary suffered this fate more than once, first at the hands (or claws) of Rocket and then by Gamora during the Guardians' confrontation with him. Mobius' belief that living without skin is not a quality life aligns with the High Evolutionary's overall disdain for life, as he casually incinerates creatures and commits genocide. While it's no excuse, it's fortunate that Mobius avoids experiencing the consequences of skin peeling, as it could potentially turn him into a megalomaniac MCU super-villain and distort his lovable character.