Tom Hiddleston hopes Loki coming out as bisexual was 'meaningful'

Watch: Loki cast and crew discuss Disney+ series

Tom Hiddleston has said he hopes it was "meaningful" for people that his Marvel Cinematic Universe character Loki came out as bisexual in last year's Disney+ series.

The 41-year-old star said that the moment was a "small step" in terms of representation, but one that was "definitely important" to those involved in making the show.

Read more: Is Loki in the Doctor Strange sequel?

"We all wanted to retain the integrity of the character – I wanted to make sure we didn’t lose the bits that people loved, while doing something new," said Hiddleston to The Guardian of his decision to make the series.

He added: "I also hope Loki coming out as bisexual was meaningful to people who spotted it. It was a small step, and there’s further to go. But it was definitely important to all of us."

In the third episode of the show, Loki made the revelation about his sexuality in a discussion with Sylvie — a variant of himself from a different timeline, played by Sophia Di Martino.

When asked if he had a prince or princess on the scene, Hiddleston's Loki replied that he had experienced "a bit of both" when it came to romance.

Read more: Sophia Di Martino says Loki crew altered costume so she could breastfeed

After the episode aired, Loki director Kate Herron tweeted that it was "very important" to her that the character's sexuality was acknowledged in the show.

She added: "It is a part of who he is and who I am too. I know this is a small step but I'm happy, and heart is so full, to say that this is now canon in MCU."

Hiddleston first played Loki in Kenneth Branagh's Thor movie way back in 2011 and has since reprised the character on numerous occasions, including as the main villain of first team-up film The Avengers.

Loki marked the first time the character has taken on a lead role, clashing with the Time Variance Authority after the time-bending events of Avengers: Endgame.

Read more: Explaining the multiverse in the MCU

The series was greenlit for a second season, announced in the first season finale, which Hiddleston has recently stated will begin filming very soon.

He is currently promoting his role in Apple TV+ series The Essex Serpent, in which he stars alongside Claire Danes.

Watch: Tom Hiddleston says Loki season two will film soon