Marvel Studios has done a good job of bringing Thor's corner of the Marvel Universe to life on screen, but there are some characters who definitely haven't been done justice. The Warriors Three, Heimdall, and Sif all spring to mind, as does one Asgardian who has yet to make his live-action debut: Balder the Brave.
A supporting character first introduced in 1962's Journey Into Mystery #85, he later became a crucial part of J. Michael Straczynski's Thor run when it was revealed that he was actually the God of Thunder's half-brother.
That also makes Loki his adoptive brother, but there's never been room for him in the movies or TV shows. Well, until now. Sort of.
A new clip from tonight's episode of Loki shows the God of Mischief and Mobius encounter a tribute to Asgardian deities which includes Odin, Thor, and Balder. Loki isn't happy to have been excluded and points out that no one has heard of Balder...a point that Mobius is quick to refute.
While this scene seemingly takes place in a branched timeline, remember that this Loki Variant hails from Earth-616 (he was pulled from that reality during the events of Avengers: Endgame shortly after he'd been captured by Earth's Mightiest Heroes in 2012). The fact Loki acknowledges Balder's presence obviously confirms he has, at some point, existed in the MCU.
There's no mention of any sort of familial connection but Balder is out there...somewhere.
We very nearly met one of the Asgardian's Variants in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness when we encountered the Illuminati on Earth-838. Rumour has it he was originally played by Bruce Campbell until Daniel Craig was enlisted. Unfortunately, he had to pass due to his James Bond commitments, meaning we never got to see the hero impaled on his own sword by the Scarlet Witch.
Is this Easter Egg building to anything? Probably not, but Thor might want to turn to Balder for assistance when Hercules comes knocking! For now, check out this newly released clip below.
Loki season 2 will pick up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius, Hunter B-15 and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose.
The series stars Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Eugene Cordero, Rafael Casal, Tara Strong, Kate Dickie, Liz Carr, Neil Ellice, with Jonathan Majors, Ke Huy Quan and Owen Wilson.
Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Dan Deleeuw and Kasra Farahani direct episodes. The Head Writer is Eric Martin.
The first two episodes of Loki season 2 are now streaming on Disney+.