Warning! This article contains spoilers for Loki season 2.
Article Overview
In Loki season 2, episode 5, the introduction of Verity Willis from Marvel Comics solidifies a strong link between the show and its source material. Verity possesses the extraordinary ability to detect falsehoods, rendering her an exceptional and highly beneficial companion to Loki within the comic book realm.
Verity Willis has been confirmed as Hunter B-15's variant, but it is uncertain if she will retain her lie-detecting abilities in the MCU. However, there are indications that this might be the case.
In episode 5 of Loki season 2, a variant was introduced who plays a crucial role in the evolution of the God of Mischief, marking the character's debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This penultimate episode of Loki season 2 took significant strides in advancing the storyline of Tom Hiddleston's iconic villain-turned-hero. It followed the explosive cliffhanger ending of episode 4, where the Temporal Loom of the TVA was destroyed. As a result, Loki's friends from the Time Variance Authority were sent back to their respective timelines, providing audiences with a glimpse into their lives before joining the TVA. The episode also included clever nods to real-world events and Marvel Comics.
Who Is Verity Willis? B-15's Comics Link Explained
In episode 5 of Loki season 2, titled "Science/Fiction," Loki receives his ability to slip through time once again. However, this time it allows him to journey to different timelines and encounter the versions of his TVA family. Among them are Mobius, played by Owen Wilson, who is now Don, a seller of jet skis in 2022. Eugene Cordero's character Casey takes on the identity of Frank Morris, an individual who famously escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. Ke Huy Quan portrays Ouroboros, who is now A. D. Doug, a science fiction writer and physicist from 1994. Interestingly, Ouroboros seems to remember his time at the TVA. Adding to the intrigue, Wunmi Mosaku's Hunter B-15 variant, named Verity Willis, is a pediatrician from 2012 New York and contains a hidden Marvel Comics reference.
Wunmi Mosaku's character, known as Verity Willis in her branched timeline, is a significant connection to Marvel Comics. In the comic series Loki: Agent of Asgard, Verity Willis first appeared in issue #2 in 2014. She is the daughter of Roger Willis and belongs to a family responsible for safeguarding the Casket of Ancient Winters. This particular storyline was pivotal for Loki, as it portrayed his transformation into the God of Stories, a development that seemingly takes place in Loki season 2. Additionally, this narrative introduced the dynamic partnership between Loki and Verity Willis.
Verity Willis' Powers Explained
Verity Willis has a unique family heritage in Marvel Comics. Not only do they protect the Casket of Ancient Winters, but Verity's grandfather was also entrusted with Andvaranaut, a magical ring with the ability to unveil any falsehood. In an unexpected twist, Verity swallowed the ring as a baby, causing it to dissolve within her and grant her the extraordinary power to see through lies. This newfound ability became both a blessing and a curse for Verity, a superhuman who had unwittingly acquired a remarkable gift.
It was during Verity's encounter with Loki in Agent of Asgard that her power proved to be of utmost importance. As the only being in the entire universe who could perceive through Loki's illusions, Verity and the mischievous deity quickly formed an inseparable bond.
While Loki initially enlisted Verity's help in various missions, such as freeing Sigurd from Asgard, battling Doctor Doom, and countering his malicious future self, King Loki, their bond strengthened to the point where they became best friends. Loki went as far as to save Verity during the incursion event, which resulted in the Marvel Universe's eradication during the Secret Wars in 2015. Throughout Loki's quest to become a hero, Verity served as his partner in crime and played a crucial role in his transformation into the God of Stories, enabling him to rewrite his own villainous tale into something positive. However, it appears that Marvel Studios is diverging from the established path for this character.
Does Verity Willis Have Powers In The MCU
Although it has been confirmed that Hunter B-15's variant in Loki season 2, episode 5 is Verity Willis, it appears to be a mere Easter egg referencing the Marvel Comics character, rather than a direct portrayal of Loki's best friend. It is Sofia Di Martino's Sylvie who seems to have taken on this role, suggesting that there may not be space for Verity Willis in the overarching story of Loki. However, with one more episode of Loki season 2 yet to be released, the revelation of whether Hunter B-15 possesses Verity Willis' lie-detecting abilities in the MCU is still a possibility. In fact, there have been indications that this might indeed be the case.
During Phase 4's Loki season 1, Loki's actions successfully persuaded Hunter B-15 that the TVA was not as it appeared. As a result, their bond grew stronger, leading B-15 to defect completely to Loki's side. Their collaboration in Loki season 2 has brought them even closer, offering the potential for their relationship to further evolve, especially now that it has been revealed that Hunter B-15 is actually Verity Willis. Known for her effectiveness as a Minute Man within the TVA, it is possible that her ability to see through people and their deceit played a role in their connection. This connection may become more solidified in the finale of Loki season 2. New episodes of Loki are released every Thursday on Disney+.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan, I am thrilled to see the introduction of Verity Willis in Loki season 2. Her character has a rich history in Marvel Comics, and her unique abilities make her a valuable asset to the MCU. I am particularly interested in seeing how her powers will be portrayed in the show and whether she will play a significant role in Loki's journey.
Overall, I am excited about the potential for Verity Willis to become a major player in the MCU. Her powers and her connection to Loki make her a fascinating character with a lot of potential. I look forward to seeing how her story unfolds in future seasons of Loki and in other MCU projects.