Loki was almost in Avengers: Age of Ultron -- Joss Whedon explains why he isn't

Avengers: Age of Ultron brings together nearly every major player from the last 10 Marvel movies, but noticeably absent is Tom Hiddleston as Thor’s (adopted) brother Loki.

But as director Joss Whedon recently revealed, there was a plan to include him in the film—and there was even footage actually shot with Hiddleston.

Speaking with MTV News, Whedon revealed he did originally want to have Loki in the already stuffed film. At least one scene featuring the character seems to have been shot, but unfortunately, did not make it to the final cut.

“We did shoot something, but it didn’t play,” Whedon told MTV News. “The movie has so much. It’s so filled. We didn’t want it to feel overstuffed. I really wanted to have Loki in it, but I understood the decision that there were now too many voices in the chorus.”

Whedon’s comments imply it wasn’t wholly his decision to remove Loki from the film, but while he may not physically appear, Loki’s influence can certainly be felt in the film.

(Slight spoilers for Age of Ultron.) Loki’s scepter is a major part of the film’s plot, inciting the film’s opening fight and playing a role throughout the movie. And of course, Thor has some visions of his home in Asgard, but the only familiar face to appear there is Idris Elba’s as Heimdall. (End of spoilers.)

For more from Whedon, read EW’s on-set interview with the director and producer Kevin Feige.