Yes, in the film The Avengers, Loki is depicted as a bad guy, serving as the primary antagonist who threatens Earth.
Loki's Role in The Avengers
During the events of The Avengers, Loki orchestrates an alien invasion of Earth, leading the Chitauri army against the planet's defenders. His actions and motivations in this film are squarely aligned with the role of a villain.
The Forgotten Villainous Beginning
It's notable that oftentimes his stint as the former villain character archetype in the franchise can be forgotten. This is because Loki's journey throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) involves significant character development. His role in The Avengers represents his villainous beginnings in the MCU.
Several factors contribute to why this initial villainy is sometimes overlooked:
- Transition to Hero: Loki's story arc in later MCU appearances often focuses on his transition from villain to hero.
- Fan-Favorite Status: Loki's popularity and fan-favorite status highlight his more lovable side, causing his earlier villainous actions to be less emphasized in the minds of viewers.
Despite his later evolution and popularity, his portrayal and actions in The Avengers establish him unequivocally as the main antagonist and a "bad guy" within that specific narrative.