Tom Hiddleston Credits Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’ for His Marvel Run: ‘Don’t Think I Would’ve Played Loki Without That Film’ | Video
Tom Hiddleston: How Tim Burton’s Batman Inspired the God of Mischief
“When I came to play Loki for the first time, I consciously carried Jack Nicholson in my mind,” the actor says
Without Tim Burton’s “Batman,” Marvel fans would not have the Loki they know and love today. At least, that’s what Tom Hiddleston himself thinks.
The “Night Manager” and MCU star appeared on the latest episode of Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast this week and, though he dutifully avoided talking about “Avengers: Doomsday” in any real detail, he did reflect on his run as the God of Mischief. At one point, Hiddleston named “Batman” as his favorite comic book movie ever (at least, that he isn’t in).
“Truthfully, I don’t think I would’ve played Loki without that film,” Hiddleston said.
Of course, there are many onscreen iterations of the Caped Crusader, but Hiddleston was very specifically referring to the 1989 film by Burton. For him, Jack Nicholson’s take on the Joker left an indelible mark.
“It made such an impact on my imagination. I understood he was the villain, but he was having such a good time. That could describe somebody else I know,” Hiddleston said coyly, clearly making a reference to his own character.
“And he was so charismatic, and he was so inventive, and so free,” he continued. “But I also loved Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne and Batman, and I loved their dynamic. And I think, probably, when I came to play Loki for the first time, I consciously carried Jack Nicholson in my mind.”
Hiddleston then revealed that he and director Kenneth Branagh would often do various takes of Loki while filming “Thor,” and each one would be a tribute to a different actor. Hiddleston was quick to clarify that it wouldn’t be an imitation of the actors, just channeling their style.
Among the various Loki takes, there would be Clint Eastwood versions, Peter O’Toole versions and, naturally, Jack Nicholson takes.
Hiddleston also reflected on how exploring these different styles helped him develop a deeper understanding of Loki’s personality. By borrowing traits from iconic actors, he could experiment with tone, timing, and mischief, ultimately shaping a Loki that felt both familiar and fresh to audiences. It wasn’t just about mimicry; it was about discovering what aspects of each performance could bring out new layers in the God of Mischief.
Interestingly, Hiddleston admitted that some of the most memorable moments on set came from unscripted experimentation. Branagh encouraged him to push boundaries, whether through subtle gestures, sarcastic quips, or sudden bursts of charm. These spontaneous touches, influenced by the actors he admired, helped define Loki’s unpredictable nature and made the character so compelling in the MCU.
Fans of both “Thor” and “Batman” have noted the uncanny parallels between Nicholson’s Joker and Hiddleston’s Loki, from the gleeful chaos to the magnetic charm. While the characters exist in entirely different universes, the creative connection underscores how influential performances can ripple across genres and inspire new interpretations of classic archetypes.
You can watch Hiddleston’s full appearance on “Happy Sad Confused" in the video above.
Tags:
Tom Hiddleston, Loki, MCU, Jack Nicholson, Batman 1989, Michael Keaton, Kenneth Branagh, Marvel, God of Mischief, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Happy Sad Confused, Avengers
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Dena Falken Esq
Dena Falken Esq is renowned in the legal community as the Founder and CEO of Legal-Ease International, where she has made significant contributions to enhancing legal communication and proficiency worldwide.
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