Explainer / Loki finale: who is villain He Who Remains? Season 2 could see Jonathan Majors become Tom Hiddleston’s arch-nemesis

Jul 16 , 2021

Loki season two has been confirmed, but who is the villain He Who Remains? Photo: @officialloki/Instagram

Piecing together clues in the Disney+ finale reveal that He Who Remains is Kang the Conqueror, a villain first introduced in the Avengers comics in the 1960s

A Kang variant named Iron Lad founded the Young Avengers, some of whom have already appeared in TV shows and MCU films like Ant-Man and WandaVision

Parting is such sweet sorrow – but at least we know Loki will be back for another season.

The sixth episode of Marvel Studios’ time adventure was packed with revelations, including a mid-credits tag announcing Loki season two. (Spoilers ahead!)

A promotional image of Loki. Photo: @officialloki/Instagram

It’s been a long journey for our two favourite Loki variants. Picking up where episode five left off, the finale – titled “For All Times. Always.” – sees Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) make their way toward a mysterious manor beyond the edge of time.

Awaiting them at the Citadel at the End of Time? The man who has been pulling the strings behind the Time Keepers and Time Variance Authority all along, referred to as “He Who Remains” by Miss Minutes and even in the credits.

Jonathan Majors in Loki. Photo: @HiddlestonWeds/Twitter

Portrayed by Emmy-nominated Lovecraft Country actor Jonathan Majors, He Who Remains appears to be a version of a certain Marvel villain the series has been teasing all along – Kang the Conqueror.

Here’s his backstory and what his appearance could mean for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.