Joss Whedon Explains Why Tom Hiddleston's Loki Missing from 'The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron'

Fans of Tom Hiddleston and his portrayal of Loki will be disappointed to know that the god of mischief is nowhere to be found in The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron. But writer/director Joss Whedon reveals in an interview with MTV News that the character was almost included.

“We did shoot something, but it didn’t play,” he said. “The movie has so much. It’s so filled. We didn’t want it to feel overstuffed. I really wanted to have Loki in it, but I understood the decision that there were now too many voices in the chorus. At some point the embarrassment of riches is actually embarrassing.”

Here are some snippets from some reviews of the film, which generally heap praise upon it but also note the sequel's inability to outdo its 2012 predecessor.

Deadline:

"I’m happy to report the stars are all back, especially Chris Evans’ stoic Captain America, but also Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth. Also happily returning is the witty banter and interplay. And writer-director Joss Whedon has expertly ladled on lots of action, in a kind of Transformer-itis excess. But the thrill is gone. For me, it’s a been-there, done-that feeling, like watching the all-star edition of Dancing With The Stars. But does it matter if I was just a bit disappointed? I think not. Marvel and Disney have a cash cow, and nothing will keep the fans away. Much as I admire Whedon, Joe and Anthony Russo will take over the franchise’s next two installments, and I look forward to seeing what they do. Their Captain America: The Winter Soldier was a textbook example of how to take a comic-book sequel forward."

The Hollywood Reporter:

"Avengers: Age of Ultron succeeds in the top priority of creating a worthy opponent for its superheroes and giving the latter a few new things to do, but this time the action scenes don't always measure up and some of the characters are left in a kind of dramatic no-man's-land. The returning series actors acquit themselves in the expected agreeable manner, while series newcomer Andy Serkis has a terrific couple of minutes as a tough but stressed South African criminal."

Rolling Stone:

"Wait, what? Moral conundrum? What kind of escapism is this? IMO, it's the best kind, the kind that sticks with you. Whedon is the true master of the Marvel Comic universe onscreen. He won't be back when Avengers: Infinity War, Part 1 and Part 2 start shooting next year. The Russo brothers will take the helm. That makes Age of Ultron Whedon's last Avengers hurrah. And the monumental battle between gods and monsters that he stages to end the film does him proud. Bravo. [3.5/4]"

Are you disappointed by Loki's absence? Let us know in the comments section.