Marvel via Disney+, herronthatkate/Instagram
July 30, 2021, 8:32 am*
It’s inevitable that no entry into a major franchise pleases everyone, but the way some people react to that disappointment is truly appalling.
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Kate Herron is the latest creative to receive an outpouring of gross hate over people who weren’t thrilled with the way the first season of Loki on Disney+ turned out.
Generally, in television, it’s the writers who become the subject of unhappy trolls, but in this case, some folks have chosen to take their ire out on the director instead. Perhaps it’s because those coming over from the Marvel Cinematic Universe are used to the films being credited to the directors, or perhaps it’s just because Herron is a woman, and misogynistic trolls always love blaming women over men any time it’s an option.
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Herron largely hasn’t responded to the mindless vitriol being sent her way, but she did take the time to screencap and tweet out one such response, which read “Thanks for ruining Loki you fat skank.”
“Hot, fat, and available to tank your major franchises,” she captioned the image.
It’s a fascinating response for a couple of reasons. First of all, as pointed out by The Mary Sue, it takes online abuse directed at her person (as opposed to actual criticism of the work…which, again, Herron did not write) and flips it around as a positive.
But the “available to tank your major franchises” comment is also notable due to the largely positive response Loki received from viewers. It’s also the first of the MCU’s Disney+ tie-in series to receive a second season order (although Herron will not be returning).
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The people who claim he’s ruined are the ignorant ones. I’ve loved Loki since Thor & couldn’t have asked for a better look into him. He’s always had deep vulnerability/brokenness to be explored. Plus, tying in a beautiful, literal metaphor of loving oneself? It’s perfect for him. pic.twitter.com/Avgl5vlTlK
— patuu | sw and marvel era
(@ramquinluv) July 27, 2021
Some criticized Herron for “looking for sympathy” by tweeting out hate, which is an equally fascinating insight into the mindset of certain parts of fandom. Creatives are expected to accept all levels of criticisms, personal attacks, and rabid vitriol aimed at them online, they’re supposed to engage and explain to people who demand responses or they don’t care enough, but they’re not supposed to ever call out fans for being unmitigated jerks or even comment publicly on such behavior. In other words, every type of response has to cater exactly to everyone else and never be to their own benefit, amusement, or self-protection. Sure. Right.
That said, considering the majority of fans seemed to love season one of Loki, it doesn’t seem like it will be too hard for Herron to find another major franchise to try to “tank” after this one. After all, studios are a lot more interested in viewing numbers than what some troll has to say on the internet.
*First Published: July 30, 2021, 8:25 am
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