In the mid-credits scene of Loki's season finale, it was confirmed that the God of Mischief will return in a second batch of episodes. Writer and producer Eric Martin has already revealed that they're working on the story, though we don't know if Head Writer Michael Waldron will be back after signing up to pen the screenplay for Kevin Feige's planned Star Wars movie.
Unfortunately, we've now learned that director Kate Herron isn't set to return for Loki season two.
Talking to Deadline earlier today, the filmmaker - who has received widespread critical acclaim for her work on the Disney+ series - confirmed that she's moving on.
"I’m not returning," Herron admitted. "I always planned to be just on for this and to be honest, season 2 wasn’t in the — that’s something that just came out and I’m so excited. I’m really happy to watch it as a fan next season, but I just think I’m proud of what we did here and I’ve given it my all. I’m working on some other stuff yet to be announced."
As for whether she's being lined up for another Marvel Studios project, be it a movie or TV show, she added: "No, I’m just focused on my own stuff at the moment. I love Marvel and I’d love to work with them again, but my outing with Loki is what I’ve done with them."
This is a real shame, but it sounds like Herron only ever planned to work on the one season, and it's entirely possible Marvel Studios didn't decide to head down the Kang the Conqueror/season two route until they returned after COVID-19 and realised how Loki could factor into wider plans for the MCU.
Whatever the case may be, Herron's work on the show will certainly be missed, and it will be interesting to see who the studio turns to in order to continue exploring the God of Mischief's world.