Richard E. Grant: Classic Loki Understands the Assignment
Have you had a chance to watch the newest episode of Loki on Disney+, “Journey Into Mystery”? The penultimate episode of the ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe streaming series features Classic Loki, a character portrayed by legendary actor Richard E. Grant.
Spoiler Alert* If you haven’t had a chance to see the most recent episode of Loki, which was released for streaming on Disney+ on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021, you’ll want to open a swirling green portal and get away from this article now! Maybe disguise yourself as inanimate debris.
Journey Into Mystery (1952) #85. Photo: Marvel
Classic Loki
After appearing as part of the last-page reveal in Loki episode four, Classic Loki went on to completely steal the show in “Journey Into Mystery.”
With an appearance and poses inspired by the original Marvel Comics appearance of the God of Mischief, Classic Loki weaves a tragic tale with a monologue that reveals that his Nexus Event took place because, after a lengthy self-imposed exile, he wanted to return to his home on Asgard.
Classic Loki summons Asgard. Photo: Marvel
Both Grant’s performance and costume in the episode evoke classic stage performances, and with the actor’s over the top, stage-like performance, by the end of the chapter, no viewer will be able to resist the allure of Classic Loki!
Haven’t had a chance to see Grant on stage? No problem! You can watch this clip of the Classic Loki actor performing the role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady at Chicago’s Lyric Opera in 2017 below:
Richard E. Grant
The internet has responded to Grant’s performance of Classic Loki with enthusiasm, and the actor seems to be basking in the accolades that his turn as the God of Outcasts has garnered, saying that he is “blown away by the amazing response.”
Getting in on the hype, the actor posted several photos of himself behind-the-scenes in his Marvel Comics-inspired costume. First, Grant joked about Classic Loki’s costume, comparing it to Kermit the Frog.
Blown away by the amazing response to @OfficialLoki @disneyplus Congratulations to @twhiddleston & @iamkateherron Channelling Kermit! 😂 pic.twitter.com/hWRBm0bTq0
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) July 7, 2021
Next up, he Tweeted this video of him and Owen Wilson (Mobius M. Mobius) behind the scenes, having what appears to be a whale of a time.
My new ‘Bestie’ Owen Wilson giving me ‘complimentary advice’ on @LokiOfficial for @disneyplus 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/TZ39TnO2pi
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) July 8, 2021
Finally, he shared that four decades ago, his own late father cast doubt on his career choice, asking if he really wanted to spend his life in make-up and tights.
Well, one thing I can say, Marvel Blog True Believers: I am very glad that Grant resisted the negative guidance of his father and instead pursued his glorious purpose!
My late Father asked me 4 decades ago ‘Do you really want to spend your life in make-up and tights?’ At 64, this get-up for @LokiOfficial for @disneyplus would have made him cackle! pic.twitter.com/bQ9Jkypj7w
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) July 9, 2021
Classic Loki vs. Alioth
Well, Marvel Blog True Believers, I’m off to draft a petition to have Disney’s California Adventure replace World of Color with Classic Loki vs. Alioth! Which one of the Loki Variants featured in “Journey Into Mystery” was your favorite? Let us know in the comment section!
Alioth. Photo: Marvel
