During the production of the Disney+ series Loki, actors Owen Wilson and Tom Hiddleston spent countless hours together, creating the dynamic partnership between the trickster god Loki and the time bureaucrat Mobius. This close collaboration inadvertently exposed Wilson to one of Hiddleston’s most surprising and unsettling talents: his uncanny ability as a master impressionist. The most famous anecdote regarding this talent involves Hiddleston’s near-perfect, spontaneous imitation of Wilson himself—a moment so accurate it left Wilson genuinely “creeped out.”
The “Possession” of Mobius
Tom Hiddleston possesses a remarkable gift for mimicry, reportedly capable of flawlessly mimicking the voices and mannerisms of A-list stars like Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson. His impression of his co-star, Owen Wilson (who played Mobius M. Mobius), however, is perhaps his most chillingly accurate. The shocking moment came when Wilson reportedly heard what he thought was a recording of his own voice coming from a distance. The distinctive, drawling inflection and specific cadences of his speech were perfect. When Wilson turned around, he was shocked to find it was not a recording at all, but Hiddleston meticulously recreating his voice, complete with the subtle nuances of his character’s delivery. Hiddleston’s impression is so precise that it captures Wilson’s signature vocal tics, including his famous, drawn-out “Wow,” which has become a cultural meme due to its frequent use in his films.
More Than Just a Voice: The Physical Data
Hiddleston’s skill goes beyond mere vocal imitation; it extends to physical presence, making the impersonation even more disconcerting for the subject. In addition to the voice, Hiddleston has been known to mimic Wilson’s characteristic movements, including his particular walk and the subtle, lopsided mannerism of his facial expressions—the faint smile and the distinctive brow furrow—that define his on-screen persona. This holistic approach makes the impersonation feel less like a simple joke and more like a temporary “possession” of the essence of the actor. The experience cemented the bond between the two stars and served as a humorous, if slightly scary, behind-the-scenes revelation of Hiddleston’s impressive comedic and acting range, which often contrasts with the serious nature of his on-screen role as Loki.