Spoilers ahead for episode 5 of Loki, so go watch that first, or just live dangerously and read on.
Everybody loves when actors look like they're genuinely enjoying themselves on set. That effect is compounded tenfold when those actors are industry veterans, including the legendary Richard E. Grant, whom many may fondly remember from his countless roles over the years, and slightly less fondly remember from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (not his fault, to be fair). Many were surprised to see him show up in the Easter egg-filled 5th episode of Loki, and now a little behind-the-scenes clip suggests that he had as much fun on set as the audience did on the couch.
Shortly after his episode of Loki dropped on Disney Plus, Grant posted a short video to Twitter of himself and co-star Owen Wilson sharing a funny little moment on set. As Grant inquires as to how Wilson thought that day's scene had gone, the other actor offers his own complimentary assessment. Once Grant pretends to show relief at this, Wilson then clarifies he meant the statement in a far less flattering way and exits the frame, with Grant bursting out laughing. Seems as though Wilson has a knack for keeping things fun with his co-stars.
Wilson is already a seasoned comedy actor, but seeing him make a real heavy-hitter like Grant fall into a chuckle like that really feels special. Grant is well-known for his dramatic roles over the years, but he's certainly dabbled in the comedic arts as well, even appearing in several episodes of the thankfully revived animated series Tuca & Bertie. His character in Loki may have departed on a rather triumphant sacrifice in the latest episode, but that doesn't mean he can't let loose a little bit.
Episode 5 of Loki saw Grant as Classic Loki, one of several variants who appeared in the apocalyptic space at the end of time where everyone "pruned" by the TVA ends up. This incarnation of the character appeared to be the older version of the actual Loki seen in the Marvel comics of old, all the way down to his campy green and gold outfit. He showed up alongside several other versions of Loki including Kid Loki, Boastful Loki, and even Alligator Loki, to the good fortune of all. As Sylvie and the main Loki enacted their plan to see who's behind the TVA, the rest decide to help out, with Grant's character sacrificing himself to act as a distraction in order to give the others more time.
Seeing Grant's infectious smile at the end of the short video is really one of those feel-good moments, and it even shows how real his much more maniacal laughter was during his character's final scene. That's the mark of a true professional right there because being able to let loose can be far more beneficial than being by the book all the time. Plus, it's got to be hard to keep a straight face when Wilson is nearby.
The final episode of Loki is quickly approaching, and it will be bittersweet to see this addictive series come to an end. But little moments like this really go a long way in making it feel like more than just a flash in the pan that might otherwise be lost over time. They make it real. Like that line from The Hobbit, except not unintentionally hilarious.
Loki releases new episodes on Wednesday on Disney Plus.
Source: Richard E. Grant/Twitter