How Loki Dies in Endgame but Still Gets a TV Series That Continues the Story

In the complex and convoluted world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the concept of time travel introduces numerous plot twists and neverending possibilities. A recent example is the character Loki, who, despite dying in the concluding event of Avengers: Endgame, is set to star in a new TV series. How is this possible? This article explores the intricate details and explains why movie makers aren't bound by the same rules as laymen.

Loki’s Journey in the MCU

In Avengers: Endgame, Loki’s demise appears to be a crucial plot point. However, the reality in the MCU is much more nuanced. The TV series Loki picks up the story of Loki after he escapes from New York during the time heist in Avengers: Endgame. This is a different Loki from the one who died. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the events and their implications.

Time Travel and Loki's Escape

During the time heist, Loki manages to escape with the Tesseract. The time travel plot in Endgame plays a significant role in this. The Avengers travel back to 2012, which results in a different timeline. Instead of Loki being sent to Asgard, he escapes with the Tesseract and alters the timeline. This is a key factor in the creation of the TV series. The Loki series focuses on this alternate timeline where Loki remains alive and continues his journey.

Death and Aftermath in Endgame

In Avengers: Endgame, it is established that Loki is killed by Thanos. However, the story doesn't end there. The time travel plot changes this scenario significantly. When the Avengers travel to 2012, they don't find the same Loki that died in 2018. Instead, they find a Loki who has already escaped with the Tesseract. This is the Loki that the TV series follows, bringing a fresh take to the character’s story.

Alternate Timelines and the Impact

The concept of alternate timelines is a staple in the MCU. The Loki TV series taps into this idea, presenting a fresh perspective of the character. Loki’s escape with the Tesseract from the time heist creates a new timeline that the show explores. This new timeline is where the story picks up, showing how the character’s actions affect the universe.

Making Movies and the Lone Rule

Movies, especially in the context of the MCU, often break the usual narrative flow to maintain viewer interest and provide new content. The fact that some characters may die in one film but continue to appear in others doesn’t violate any rules. It is, simply, a plot device to serve the story.

For instance, Tom Cruise’s character in Edge of Tomorrow dies multiple times, but the movie follows this character across different timelines, showcasing the loop and creating an interesting narrative. Similarly, the creators of the Loki series and the Black Widow movie (which was also posthumous) have the freedom to reinterpret characters and their roles.

Conclusion

While it may seem illogical from a real-world perspective, the world of superhero movies, particularly those of the MCU, operates on a comprehensive and interconnected timeline. The death of Loki in Avengers: Endgame sets the stage for a new and unique story explored in the Loki television series. The concept of time travel and the creation of alternate universes provide the basis for such a narrative deviation. As with all storytelling, this follows the guiding principle of serving the story and captivating the audience.