Loki, the Marvel supervillain and antihero who first cropped up in Stan Lee's graphic novels in 1962, is now a major heartthrob, loved around the world for his arrogance, dry humour and Machiavellian nature. This is partly thanks to Tom Hiddleston, who applied his caustic English coolness to the role, and partly thanks to Marvel's writers, including Joss Whedon, Don Payne, Zack Stentz and Christopher Yost, who developed the character over the years, giving him his many memorable lines.
Loki became so valued that in 2021 Marvel created a spin-off series dedicated to him, which followed the god of mischief's many adventures across the multiverse. This October a second series landed on Disney+, presenting a slightly convoluted storyline deep in Loki lore, in which the deity whizzed around the universe looking for Sylvie, the alternative version of himself (it's a long story, read more about it here).
While there's a long time to wait until a third series lands on our screens – Marvel has not even confirmed that a new chapter is in the works yet – fans can keep themselves engaged with Loki's life and lore by going on a tour of some of the locations where the Disney+ series was filmed.
And, happily for fans based in London, some of these locations are in and around the city: much of Loki was filmed at Pinewoods Studios in Uxbridge, on the outskirts of London, which means that scouts have looked to the capital to find some of their filming spots.
Here's our guide to some of the venues that feature in the show.
The Fighting Cocks pub in Kingston
In the second season, Loki heads to an Eighties Oklahoma drinking spot to chat, once again, with Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino). But the scene was actually filmed at The Fighting Cocks, a Rock 'n' Roll bar and live music venue in Kingston, that first opened in 1890.
"As huge Marvel fans, we were over the moon to welcome the team to film at the pub," said Ali Barnwell, the pub’s co-owner. "Keeping the secret has been so tough, but now we can proudly say that The Fighting Cocks is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe."
A plaque has been added to Loki's chosen stool, but we bet there's a queue to sit on the now sacred seat.
Well Loki here, if it isn't the god of mischief drinking at The Fighting Cocks! It's been tough keeping this under our hats but we're in the MCU 🖤 #LokiSeason2 #Loki #LokiS2 pic.twitter.com/grSz7fAHti
— The Fighting Cocks (@FightingCocks66) November 3, 2023
Next to the Noël Theatre on St. Martin’s Lane
In July last year fans also spotted a crew filming in the West End. Not only were there several Rolls Royce lining the streets, gathering crowds, and a metal contraption that we imagine had been set up to help with filming, but new posters had been installed down the street. They looked liked old movies and featured some of Marvel's actors, such as Kumail Nanjiani, who plays Kingo in the Eternals.
"I think they’re shooting Loki," deduced one sleuthing fan.
there’s all these old movie posters w characters from the marvel comics and the street is closed down and there’s a bunch of old cars pic.twitter.com/C3vVCQBAvj
— sasha 💌 (@LOVE1SNOTENOUGH) July 3, 2022
Further afield
For fans that are willing to go a little further outside of London, head to Hertfordshire. In the series, Loki meets up with Sylvie in an Eighties McDonalds to discuss the sacred timeline. In reality, the scene was filmed in abandoned building that was once The Raj Villa, an Indian restaurant.
"We thought they were building a McDonalds and then we started seeing studio lights and quite a lot of crew," said local David Key to the BBC. After going to investigate, Key and his family ended up speaking with Hiddleston.
"I was brought up with Superman in the 1970s, so I love superhero movies. For Tom Hiddleston to come over and thank us for being bystanders was just awesome," said Key.
#Loki #Tomhiddleston
— David Key (@auspicium) July 16, 2022
On the set of Loki season 2 in Hertfordshire - they’ve converted the restaurant opposite my home into a 1980s style McDonald’s - nice of him to pop over to say hi to my daughters #Owenwilson pic.twitter.com/0lC22aD1K7
Chatham Dockyard
Then, why not head to Kent’s Historic Dockyard, Chatham? Owen Wilson and Hiddleston were spotted filming in the extraordinary space in July last year, but it's not just a destination for Loki fans: dozens of films and shows including Ammonite (2022), Bridgerton (2020), Sherlock Holmes (2009), The Golden Compass (2007), have shot scenes in the dazzling mid-16th century building.
