The Subtle Mention That’s Making Waves
In the midst of Loki’s time-hopping adventures and the unraveling Multiverse Saga, Episode 3 of Loki Season 2 delivered a small but deeply meaningful moment that hints at more than what meets the eye. When Loki and Mobius come across a Norse diorama, a spotlight is cast on a character that has been conspicuously missing from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—Balder the Brave.
“Why did they include Balder. No one’s even heard of him,” Loki ponders aloud, only to be retorted by Mobius who says, “Sure they have, ‘Balder the Brave.'”
What makes this encounter intriguing is not just the acknowledgment but what it could imply for future MCU storylines.
Asgardian Absences and Surprising Admissions
The MCU has had a habit of skimming the surface when it comes to Asgardian lore, especially when compared to the rich tapestry found in the comics. Characters like the Enchantress have been notably absent, leading many to believe that the cinematic roster of Asgardians was complete, especially after the original Asgard was destroyed. But this moment in Loki Season 2 seems to suggest otherwise.
“Loki, however, has contradicted this by simply mentioning Balder the Brave, thereby confirming that he does, or did, exist in the MCU,” remarks Kasra Farahani, the episode’s director.
Almost a Reality: Daniel Craig as Balder?
Interestingly, Balder was initially slated to make an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, portrayed by none other than Daniel Craig. While that dream collaboration never materialized, one cannot help but wonder if the Loki series is setting the stage for a grand entrance.
“Craig’s involvement in the MCU would go down a storm, akin to how Richard E. Grant’s Classic Loki was so well-received in Loki Season 1,” an insider speculates.
Balder in the Multiverse: The Unanswered Questions
With the Multiverse Saga gaining momentum and Loki’s narrative deeply rooted in this fantastical landscape, Balder’s introduction isn’t just a possibility—it’s a probability.
“The fate of Balder in the main MCU timeline, however, including the fact that he has not been mentioned until this point, remains a mystery,” posits Farahani.
Does Death Await Balder?
Considering Balder’s absence during key moments like the destruction of Asgard, the most plausible explanation seems to be that he’s no longer among the living. If true, his eternal rest could be in Valhalla, side by side with other fallen Asgardian warriors like Heimdall and Jane Foster, the Mighty Thor.
“Balder’s inclusion here, then, helps lend credence to the notion Heimdall and The Mighty Thor aren’t done with the MCU yet,” observes a Marvel aficionado.
Balder in Comics vs. MCU Potential
In Marvel Comics, Balder’s history is intricate and connected to Loki in more ways than one. Balder was invulnerable until Loki orchestrated his death using a mistletoe arrow, a plot point which could be a compelling angle for the series to explore, given their newfound revelation about his existence.
“Either way, this forms a pretty significant link between Balder and Loki and means that Balder’s arrival in Loki in diorama form carries a little more weight for the god of mischief,” notes a comic book expert.
A Tease for Thor: Love & Thunder?
Recently, Balder had comic book interactions with Hercules, who was revealed in the post-credits scene of Thor: Love & Thunder. This opens up another avenue where Balder could be reintroduced into the MCU—through the upcoming Thor movie.
“Either way, the wooden statue of Balder the Brave is probably not his final appearance in the MCU,” concludes a Marvel analyst.
By subtly referencing a relatively obscure character, the Loki series has potentially opened up a Pandora’s box of storytelling options. Whether or not Balder’s moment in the limelight has immediate payoffs, the seed has been planted, and Marvel fans are on high alert for what comes next.
