Loki is finally streaming on Disney+, and it only two episodes in but the tension surrounding its nature is too much. Well, we don’t mind it. Loki episode 2 “The Variant” landed on Disney+ yesterday and is upping its game. Not too deep in the show and we have already got to see Lady Loki and the entire TVA in pure turmoil. The Sacred Timeline has been bombed by Lady Loki. but as the show revolves around Loki, let’s talk about the difference between Loki’s powers & abilities.
Loki Explains a Key Detail About Duplication Casting
The second episode of Loki finally sent the God of Mischief on his first mission. During the initial briefing of Loki’s first mission with the TVA, Mobius discussed the abilities of the God of Mischief. Mobius subtly explained the nature of the Loki variant and said that the TVA has encountered these variants in the past. Apparently, no two Loki variants are alike. Their powers, abilities, and looks could differ.
He said:
Mobius: “Here’s the deal. When we get on the branch, we’re not just looking for a time criminal. We’re looking for a Loki. A variation of this guy. A type we should all be familiar with because the TVA has pruned a lot of these guys, almost more than any other variant. No two are alike. Slight differences in appearances or not so slight. Different powers although powers generally include shapeshifting, illusion projection…”
Loki: “Duplication casting…”
Mobius: “Illusion projection.”
Loki: “Those are two different powers actually.”
Mobius: “How?”
Now, this is where Loki interrupts Mobius during his briefing to explain his powers properly. He explained the difference between illusion projection and duplication casting. He explained that that illusion projection involves depicting a detailed image from outside oneself as he compared it with duplication casting. Loki said:
“Illusion projection involves depicting a detailed image from outside oneself which is perceptible in the external world whereas duplication casting entails recreating an exact facsimile of one’s own body in its present circumstance which acts as a true holographic mirror of its molecular structure.”
This is probably the first time that the Marvel writers have explained Loki’s true powers in the MCU. We have seen him throughout his journey in the MCU use various powers. But never has it been explained like this, but the character himself. He perfectly explained that duplication casting and illusion projection are two entirely different abilities that he possesses. We haven’t seen duplicates in this series yet. But I think that Loki used his Illusion casting to make his clothes seem dry at the end of the episode.
The Use of Loki’s Powers & Abilities Throughout MCU
This possible explanation by Loki could have been for Mobius to understand the variant better. Or the Trickster was simply boasting of his prowess. The God Of Mischief used duplication casting during most of his MCU appearances. One of the instances of this was showcased in Thor: Ragnarok when Loki talked to Thor while inside the chambers of the champion’s challengers.
But before Ragnarok, he had displayed his powers pretty often. During his first attack on Earth in 2012’s The Avengers, the trickster also utilized duplication casting while telling everybody to kneel in Germany. Now, remember, according to Loki himself, duplication casting entails recreating an exact facsimile of one’s own body. And it is different from illusion which we will talk about now.
In 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, Loki used illusion projection. The plan to save Jane Foster from the Dark Elves was built from casting an illusion where Thor’s right hand was sliced by Loki’s knife. This was totally similar to his stunt in the first Avengers film when he killed Phil Coulson. Loki made the agent think that he was still inside his cell so that he could stab him from behind.
These instances explain the difference between duplication casting and illusion projection. As of now, we have not seen Loki use his powers. Initially, he couldn’t do so because he was in the TVA. But even on his mission, he didn’t. So, let’s see where the show goes from here. Anyway, he seems considerably week than before as he took a big L from his own variant.
Loki stars Tom Hiddleston as the God of Mischief, Owen Wilson as Mobius M. Mobius, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Ravonna Lexus Renslayer, Wunmi Mosaku as Hunter B-15, and Sophia Di Martino, Richard E. Grant, Sasha Lane, and Eugene Cordero in undisclosed roles. But the episodes are available on Disney+, with new ones coming every Wednesday.
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