Loki director debunks major villain fan theory from the premiere

Loki Mephisto
(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

You should now the deal by now. Loki, like every Marvel show that’s come before it, is seeing every little detail and morsel picked apart by ravenous MCU fans hoping to unpack whatever Marvel Studios has in store for us.

The first major theory, interestingly, came before the Loki premiere even aired on Disney Plus – though there's a moment in the episode that has continued to cause speculation on social media.

Let’s rewind to the beginning of Loki’s first episode – spoilers ahead: Owen Wilson’s TVA agent, Mobius M. Mobius, is introduced in 16th Century France of all places. There, he’s tasked with tracking down someone who is causing mayhem after a "Nexus Event" (someone who has split off from their set timeline) got loose.

The Renaissance era church, though, could be carrying a clue for some Marvel fans. In Mobius’ interaction with a bubblegum-chewing child, a stained-glass window with the image of a devil-like figure is seen. Take a look for yourself.

Loki Mephisto theory

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Predictably, social media was set abuzz after the premiere, with some believing the window is a reference to Mephisto, Marvel’s answer to the devil that was heavily linked with a WandaVision appearance that never came to pass. "I can’t believe I’m already back to screaming about Mephisto," says one viewer. Another is certain that it’s a "tease to Mephisto."

Is Mephisto in Loki? Marvel has an answer…

Loki Mephisto

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Sorry to disappoint – but that’s (officially) not the case. Director Kate Herron confirmed as much in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

"It's honestly just a super weird coincidence. Like, it's genuinely a reference to Loki – the horns, he was cast out of heaven, that's what it's a reference to," Herron explained. "I did see all the stuff about that online and I was like, 'Oh, this is going to be interesting.' But no, it's more relevant to the themes of our show and it’s not a nod to that character."

So, that’s one Loki theory we can well and truly scratch off our conspiracy boards. Still, there’s plenty more to play with – not least of all another fan theory that suggests Miss Minutes may have helped set the stage for a major Marvel crossover down the line in the MCU. Plus, with all these Variants running around, there’s surely another Loki or two worth questioning before we start pressing the Mephisto button again.

Need another Loki fix? Find out when the next episode is coming with the Loki release schedule. Be sure to get a refresher on Marvel’s future too with our guide to Marvel Phase 4.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.