Rick Riordan’s Take on Loki: How Marvel Misses the Mark

Fans of the Percy Jackson films will be well acquainted with Rick Riordan, the author whose fascination with ancient mythologies has shaped a generation of readers. While Riordan is best known for his Greek-inspired adventures, he has also delved into Norse legends, offering his own interpretation of figures like Loki. Years ago, he spoke about his perspective on Marvel’s depiction of the trickster god, offering a rather pointed comparison to his own work.

Riordan’s Approach to Norse Myths

In an interview from 2015, Riordan reflected on his childhood love of Thor comics and his enjoyment of Marvel’s cinematic universe. However, he was quick to point out the liberties taken by Marvel with Norse mythology.

I grew up on Thor comics and I like the Marvel movies, but they play fast and loose with the Norse myths. I wanted my version to be closer to the original. Loki is a great character in the old Viking stories.

He explained that in his then-new novel, he aimed to present Loki as he appears in the original tales:

the same way he acts in the myths: clever, funny, capricious, silver-tongued and quick to anger.

Riordan’s book, Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer, had just been released at the time. It joined his other celebrated works, including Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and The Trials of Apollo. Each series has drawn praise for its inventive yet respectful treatment of mythological material.

Percy Jackson Returns to the Screen

Riordan’s stories have not only captivated readers but have also been adapted for the screen. The Percy Jackson films, featuring Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, and Sean Bean, brought his world to a wider audience. More recently, the tales have been reimagined as a television series, now available to stream on Disney+.

The first season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians aired in December 2023, rekindling interest in the franchise. The much-anticipated second season is set to debut its opening two episodes on 10 December 2025, with subsequent episodes released weekly until late January 2026. The schedule promises a steady stream of new adventures for fans to enjoy.

Marvel’s Loki: A Character in Flux

Loki has long been a figure who inspires both laughter and frustration, but also, at times, genuine sympathy. Audiences said goodbye to one version of the character in Avengers: Infinity War, only to encounter another in the Disney+ series Loki. This incarnation, it’s worth noting, hails from an alternate timeline, having escaped after the events in New York depicted in Avengers: Endgame.

This twist means that Thor, who mourned his brother’s death at the hands of Thanos, remains unaware of the remarkable journey Loki has since undertaken. However, there is hope for a reunion: Avengers: Doomsday is set to bring these two back together, with Loki joining the team alongside Thor, the new Captain America, and others. The film is scheduled for release on 18 December 2026.

For those eager to follow Percy Jackson’s latest exploits, the new season is now streaming. Meanwhile, Marvel enthusiasts can look forward to seeing how Loki’s story continues to unfold on the big screen.