Loki Was Almost In 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron'; Here's Why His Cameo Got Cut

Avengers: Age of Ultron has more MCU characters than you can shake an Infinity Stone-powered scepter at, but there was one popular figure who just barely missed the cut. Joss Whedon confirmed Tom Hiddleston actually shot some footage as Loki, only to get left out of the final edit. Find out why after the jump. 

The Avengers Age of Ultron Loki cameo rumors were sparked by Idris Elba, who plays Heimdall in the movie. While talking about the role last year, Elba let slip that he'd shot a scene with Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth (Thor). However, while Heimdall does indeed show up in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Loki is nowhere to be found.

Whedon addressed the non-existent Avengers Age of Ultron Loki cameo in an interview with MTV. "Tom is not in the movie. Idris misspoke... twice," he laughed. He then continued:

We did shoot something and it didn't play. The movie has so much, is so filled and we didn't want it to feel overstuffed. I really wanted to have Loki in it but I understood the decision, that it was just like, 'Now there are too many voices in the chorus.' At some point the embarrassment of riches is actually embarrassing.

It's probably for the best. Avengers: Age of Ultron is great fun, but is crowded enough as it is. In addition to the six core Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye), the film also sees the return of several supporting characters (Falcon, Iron Patriot, Maria Hill, Peggy Carter, Erik Selvig) and the introduction of many new characters (Ultron, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Ulysses Klaue). With some luck, maybe the deleted scene will make it onto the Avengers: Age of Ultron Blu-ray.

Hiddleston is next expected to reprise the role of Loki for Thor: Ragnarok, due out November 3, 2017. Of course, this being the MCU, and Loki being the tricky sort, there's always a chance he'll pop up in something else between now and then.

Avengers: Age of Ultron is in theaters this weekend.