Tom Hiddleston has spent the last 15 years defining the character of Loki. He has played the “God of Mischief” across numerous Marvel movies and his own television show. He is one of the most recognized faces in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
However, the actor recently shared a surprising fact about his inspiration for the role. It turns out that a character from the rival DC Universe helped shape his Marvel career.
Hiddleston admitted that he likely would not have played Loki the way he did if he had not seen Tim Burton’s classic film, Batman.
The Impact of Jack Nicholson
During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hiddleston opened up about his creative process. He explained that watching the 1989 Batman movie had a massive effect on him when he was younger. Specifically, he was captivated by Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance as the Joker.
“Truthfully, I don’t think I would’ve played Loki without that film,” Hiddleston stated during the interview.
He went on to describe exactly why that performance stuck with him. He noted that Nicholson’s portrayal captured his imagination at a crucial time in his life. Even though the Joker was clearly the bad guy, there was something magnetic about him.
Hiddleston explained, “I understood he was the villain, but he was having such a good time.“
He pointed out that the character was charismatic, inventive, and free. This sense of enjoyment became a core part of how Hiddleston approached Loki. He realized that a villain could be dangerous while still being entertaining to watch.
When it came time to film the first Thor movie, Hiddleston said he “consciously carried” the memory of Jack Nicholson’s Joker in his mind. He used that energy to help bring Loki to life.
A History of Loving Villains
This is not the first time Hiddleston has spoken about his love for classic movie villains. In a 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he discussed the various “bad guys” who influenced his acting style.
He described his performance as standing on the shoulders of the villains he admired as a child. While Jack Nicholson was a major influence, he was not the only one. Hiddleston also mentioned Alan Rickman’s performance in Die Hard and James Mason in North by Northwest.
He had special praise for Alan Rickman. He noted that in Die Hard, Rickman seemed to be having a great time and was strangely likeable, despite being the antagonist.
“I guess it’s in my make up as a fan,” Hiddleston said. “I loved villains who enjoyed themselves.“
This philosophy explains why Loki became such a fan favorite. Like Nicholson and Rickman, Hiddleston played the character with a smile and a sense of fun that made him hard to hate.
Experimenting on the Set of Thor
Hiddleston also shared some behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the first Thor film. He worked closely with director Kenneth Branagh to find the right tone for the character.
To get the best performance, they would often shoot the same scene in several different ways. Hiddleston called these different “takes” or “flavors.” They would model these takes after famous actors to see what worked best.
- The Peter O’Toole Take: First, they would try a version inspired by Peter O’Toole. Hiddleston clarified that this was not an impersonation. Instead, it was a tribute to O’Toole’s sincerity. He tried to channel the vulnerability O’Toole showed in films like The Lion in Winter.
- The Jack Nicholson Take: Next, they would do a “Jack Nicholson take.” In this version, Hiddleston would let loose. He would act as if he was having the “most fun in the room,” channeling the chaotic energy of the Joker.
- The Clint Eastwood Take: Finally, they would try a “Clint Eastwood take.” This version was much more reserved. Hiddleston would hide his emotions deep inside, making the character appear stoic and unreadable.
Hiddleston explained that doing these different versions gave the director options. In the editing room, Branagh could choose the specific “flavor” that fit the scene best. This process helped create the complex, multi-layered personality that fans love today.
What is Next for Loki?
Hiddleston is not done with the Marvel Universe yet. He is set to return in the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday.
Fans last saw his character at the emotional conclusion of Loki season 2. By the end of that series, the character had undergone a massive transformation. He evolved from a selfish trickster into the “God of Time.” He is currently tasked with the massive responsibility of holding the entire multiverse together.
Conclusion
It is ironic that one of Marvel’s greatest characters owes a debt to one of DC’s greatest villains. By channeling the fun and charisma of Jack Nicholson’s Joker, Tom Hiddleston created a villain who was equally memorable. Through careful experimentation and a love for cinema history, he turned Loki into a character who—just like the Joker—was simply having a good time.
