‘A bit of both,’ MCU's Loki canonically bisexual

For the first time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a lead character is confirmed to be openly and canonically queer.

That’s right, Loki, Thor’s mischievous half-brother portrayed by British actor Tom Hiddleston, is bisexual as revealed in the third episode of the character's titular series.

In a particular scene, Loki is asked by Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) if he were interested in “would-be-princesses or perhaps, another prince,” to which Loki confidently replies with a “a bit of both. I suspect the same as you.”

Loki series director Kate Herron confirms Loki’s sexuality in a tweet. She said that the moment she joined the show, it was very important for her to acknowledge that Loki is indeed bisexual.

“It is a part of who he is and who I am, too. I know this is a small step but I’m happy, and heart is so full, to say that this is now canon,” she said.

From the moment I joined @LokiOfficial it was very important to me, and my goal, to acknowledge Loki was bisexual. It is a part of who he is and who I am too. I know this is a small step but I’m happy, and heart is so full, to say that this is now Canon in #mcu #Loki ??? pic.twitter.com/lz3KJbewx8

— Kate Herron (@iamkateherron) June 23, 2021

This news can be a surprise to several fans since this is a big step for the MCU who are known to be a little behind when it comes to queer representation with their characters.

Although Loki is not the first LGBTQIA+ character in the franchise, he is the first lead to be. The actual first openly queer character in the MCU is no other than the new ruler of Asgard, Valkyrie.

In 2019, Tessa Thompson revealed during Comic-Con that, “as new king, she needs to find her queen.” The fourth installment of the Thor films titled Thor: Love and Thunder was also confirmed to show Valkyrie’s explicitly queer relationship for the upcoming film.

Another upcoming MCU film will feature a gay superhero. In the star-studded The Eternals, Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige confirmed back in 2019 at Comic-Con that Phastos, played by Bryan Tyree Henry, is gay and that “he’s married, he’s got a family, and that is just part of who he is.”

On the other hand, Loki’s sexuality has been addressed in the comics a few times. He is usually viewed to be canonically gender-fluid and pansexual which is heavily different from being bisexual. Nevertheless, it is still a fresh breath of air to fans, especial queer ones, to see a complex and well-beloved character being openly queer.