Tom Hiddleston’s Loki has to be the definitive anti-hero of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The God of Mischief’s grown so much over the past seven years and fans have loved seeing him go from scheming traitor to would-be alien invader to redeemed brother-in-arms. However, there’s one consistent feature about the character in all of his movie appearances to date. And you probably didn’t even notice it.
Reddit user @Ethkas has pointed out that in all three Thor films – the 2011 original, Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Ragnarok – as well as The Avengers and Avengers: Infinity War, at least one scene will always show the Asgardian lying on the floor, usually after losing a fight.
Take a look at the screenshot comparison in the gallery below and you’ll see what we mean…
If you remember these five films well, you’ll know that there’s only two contexts for this recurring trope. Three of these occasions have been comic relief moments, in which the arrogant, egotistical villain has been cut down a peg. For instance, weighed down by Mjolnir and unable to move or being smashed by Hulk.
Alternatively, the two other times twist the trope by giving it a tragic edge. The third image is from when Loki apparently dies valiantly in his brother’s arms in The Dark World – though this was later revealed as a ruse. Conversely, the Infinity War version sees Loki truly dead, this time after being impaled by Thanos. It’s possible the Russo brothers were aware of the recurring motif and wanted to pay one last homage to it, but it could just be a coincidence.
Infinity War did appear to kill Loki off once and for all, bringing his character arc full circle by having him finally stand by his brother’s side. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from theorizing about every possible way he could have faked it or how he could be resurrected in Avengers 4. Regardless, if/when he does show up again, be sure to keep your eye out for the moment when he lies on the ground.
