Loki: What is a variant? Full list of every Loki variant

Eagle-eyed fans were delighted to spot a cameo from Throg, also known as Frog Thor, who was seen confined to a jar under the ground as he desperately hopped towards a similarly discarded Mjolnir.

In a surprise addition to the Loki cast, director Kate Herron has revealed that Thor actor Chris Hemsworth did record a brief line of dialogue for the blink-and-you'll-miss-it scene, although a spin-off movie doesn't appear to be on the cards.

If you're looking to brush up on your variant knowledge ahead of the Loki season finale this week, read on for all the details you need and an up-to-date list of all the Loki variants we've seen so far.

What is a variant?

A variant is a term coined by the Time Variance Authority to describe a person who does something they are not supposed to in the so-called "Sacred Timeline" of the MCU, and thus branches away into an alternate version of events.

It is the role of the TVA, a mysterious bureaucratic organisation, to keep these instances under control, meaning that their agents are rolled out shortly after the detection of a variant.

They handle the situation by arresting the individual in question and undoing the change that was caused by their misbehaviour, which gets the main MCU timeline back on its correct course.

This important work prevents the Marvel Universe from breaking into an infinite number of uncontrollable multiverses, some of which would inevitably be dark and chaotic – perhaps even posing a threat to our own.

Is Loki a variant?

Yes, the version of Loki featured in his self-titled Disney Plus series is classed as a variant, following the events of 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame.

The "real" Loki died at the beginning of Infinity War, after a noble last-ditch effort to stop Thanos ended with the Mad Titan choking him to death.

But if you thought that was the last we'd see of the God of Mischief, you are sorely mistaken; when the Avengers travelled back to 2012, he seized an opportunity to escape arrest when the Tesseract landed right in front of him and entered an alternate timeline.

He used the ancient cosmic force to teleport to whereabouts unknown, where he was quickly discovered by TVA forces and apprehended for his crimes.

This Loki is a variant in that he is not the version we know from the later Marvel films released post-2012, and his behaviour is subtly different as he has not experienced the dramatic events of Thor: The Dark World, Ragnarok or Infinity War (though he is aware of those events, having watched footage of how they unfolded).

Other Loki variants are briefly glimpsed in Loki episode two, including a version of Loki who appears as a hulking monster and another who seems to be a prize-winning cyclist for some reason.

Read more: Meet the cast of Loki on Disney Plus

Is Lady Loki/Sylvie a Loki variant?

Yes indeed. There was some doubt at first over whether Sophia Di Martino was truly playing a female variant of Loki or the Marvel villain Enchantress pulling a trick of her own, but recent episodes seem to have proven the former to be true.

We have seen Loki plucked out of her timeline by Renslayer and taken to the TVA's courtroom as a young girl, but there's yet to be any indication of what exactly her nexus event was.

It's possible that revelation is being saved for Loki episode six, perhaps as a secret to be dropped by whoever resides in that rather foreboding castle at the end of time.

Every Loki variant in the Disney Plus series

We're updating this page with every Loki variant in the MCU as the series rolls out on Disney Plus, with new episodes arriving every Wednesday.

Here's every Loki we've met so far.

Boastful Loki (DeObia Oparei)

Who is Boastful Loki? Boastful Loki might wield a Mjolnir-esque hammer, but don't go thinking he's worthy. He got his name by making up elaborate lies about his past conquests and proved himself to be disloyal after arranging a coup at the end of time with President Loki.

Boastful Loki's nexus event: We don't know exactly what put Boastful Loki on the TVA's radar, as his dramatic stories are seemingly entirely fabricated. He claims to have wielded all six Infinity Stones and defeated Earth's Mightiest Heroes but the truth is likely to be a little less triumphant.

Classic Loki (Richard E Grant)

Who is Classic Loki? Classic Loki is an older version of the character inspired by his initial appearance in the pages of Marvel Comics. He is an experienced magic user, as proven by his incredible illusion at the end of Loki episode five.

Classic Loki's nexus event: In a surprisingly personal monologue, Classic Loki revealed that he escaped a brutal death at the hands of Thanos by creating an uncannily lifelike illusion, before exiling himself to a distant planet where he lived alone. When he became tired of his own company and wished to be reunited with his brother, the TVA tracked him down and pruned him.

• For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.

Kid Loki (Jack Veal)

Who is Kid Loki? A fan favourite from the comic books, Kid Loki first appeared in 2010 as a reincarnated version of the God of Mischief, emerging on Asgard shortly after the original died. He went on to have a number of memorable adventures across the Nine Realms, later joining the Young Avengers alongside Kate Bishop (AKA Hawkeye) and Scarlet Witch's sorcerer son, Wiccan, among others.

Kid Loki's nexus event: Kid Loki got in trouble with the TVA after killing his brother, Thor.

Read more: Is the MCU setting up the Young Avengers?

Alligator Loki

Who is Alligator Loki? Little is known about Loki's alligator variant and there's some doubt that he truly belongs with the Gods of Mischief. Classic Loki justifies his inclusion by pointing out that "he's green", but that's not quite enough evidence to convince a sceptical Agent Mobius.

Still, Alligator Loki isn't such a crazy idea given that the MCU has previously made reference to Loki transforming into a snake to pull pranks on his brother (see Thor: Ragnarok for details).

Alligator Loki's nexus event: He ate his neighbour's cat.

President Loki (Tom Hiddleston)

Who is President Loki? Inspired by a 2016 comic book titled Vote Loki, released during the US Presidential Campaign, this is a variant who seems to be big on manipulating elections to boost his own personal status. (Thank goodness that could never happen in the real world).

He is shown with a small band of followers but it's not entirely clear whether they are comprised of other Loki variants or are simply devout followers of the God of Mischief.

President Loki's nexus event: Unknown.

Loki is streaming now on Disney Plus, with new episodes released on Wednesdays - for more information, see our Loki release schedule guide. To watch, you can sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year now. Check out more of our Sci-Fi and Fantasy coverage, as well as our guides to the best movies on Disney Plus and best shows on Disney Plus.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.