Loki season 2 approaches, and I eagerly anticipate Marvel’s sequel. If you’re here, chances are you’ve watched the trailer, catching sight of the intriguing title, Zaniac. But who—or what—is Zaniac?
This article reveals that Zaniac isn’t merely a name but a significant figure from Marvel comics, reminiscent of Doctor Strange’s formidable adversary, Dormamu. As Zaniac emerges onto our screens, delve deeper into this enigmatic character’s origins.
Note: Before proceeding, revisit the key events of season 1 in our detailed Loki Season 1 recap. This post contains spoilers for certain events in Season 1, so we recommend watching it to preserve the intended experience.
Zaniac’s Appearance in Loki Season 2 Trailer
Source: YouTube/Marvel Entertainment
In Loki Season 2’s trailer, a movie theater scene reveals a screening titled “Zaniac.” Though seemingly ordinary, this holds profound significance in the Marvel universe. The film originates from Thor #319 comic, where an entity possesses actor Brad Wolfe, driving him to madness. Adopting the protagonist’s name, Brad transforms into the supervillain Zaniac.
Exploring Zaniac in Marvel Comics
Debuting in Thor #319 in 1982, Zaniac was conceived by writer Doug Moench and artist Keith Pollard. An invention of Dormamu, the antagonist from Doctor Strange, Zaniac is engineered to sow chaos among humans. Initially nameless, this entity assumes the identity of its host.
The first person possessed was Tom Malverne, deeply resentful towards the world’s treatment of him. Afterward, Malverne went on a killing spree, claiming the lives of five women, becoming infamous as Jack the Ripper. Following Malverne’s demise, the entity inhabited numerous individuals successively, each adopting the identity of Jack the Ripper.
In Loki season 2, we encounter the character as a modern-era manifestation. In the comic storyline, this entity inhabited actor Brad Wolfe during the filming of a Slasher movie, where he portrayed the villain Zaniac. Initially dormant, Brad was subsequently exposed to a small-scale nuclear explosion, granting him superhuman strength and the power to summon energy blades. This event drove him to insanity, birthing the supervillain Zaniac.
Portrayal of Brad Wolfe in Loki Season 2
The actor cast as Brad Wolfie in Loki season 2 is confirmed. In 2022, Rafael Casal joined the cast, though his character remained undisclosed. Earlier rumors suggested Rafael would portray a rogue agent who deserted the TVA, ultimately transforming into Hollywood superstar Brad Wolfe.
This rumor proved true with the release of the Loki season 2 trailer, featuring Rafael Casal at a Zaniac screening. A woman in the background holds a sign reading, “Marry me Brad Wolfe,” solidifying Rafael Casal’s role as Zaniac.
While Rafael’s portrayal of Brad Wolfe is confirmed, speculation persists regarding Brad’s alleged past as a rogue TVA agent. Should this rumor hold, Zaniac’s role may transcend that of a mere antagonist, posing a significant threat to Loki and Mobius. The series writers have ingeniously transformed a character originally pitted against Thor into a formidable adversary for Loki.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
