There has been a lot of unexpected things about the Disney+ series Loki, but among the cameos, references and possible consequences for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the series may have thrown in one unexpected set up that no one expected to see, with just one word: Vampires. In the latest episode of Loki, (avoid continuing if you don't want SPOILERS) we get our first idea of the coming of Blade to the MCU, but only if you were really paying attention as the reference is very fleeting.

After being captured by the TVA early in the episode, Tom Hiddleston, as Loki, and Sophia Di Martino's Sylvie are held in separate rooms for interrogation. While Loki gives up nothing to Mobius, the brilliant Owen Wilson, Hunter B-15 attempts to get something out of Sylvie, but it turns out it is perceptive viewers that get the most out of the short talk the pair have. Before trying to gain information from the Loki variant, Hunter B-15 says to her, "You know, we've brought in Kree, Titans, Vampires... Why is it the two orphaned demigods are such a pain in the ass?"

Of the three mentioned races, two of them have already featured heavily in the MCU. First up, are the Kree, the alien race first mentioned in Guardians of the Galaxy and who played a big role in Captain Marvel. Next up, we have Titans, a group that need no introduction thanks to Thanos and the mad Titan's role in killing a number of much loved characters in his two major appearances in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Then we come to the third on the list: vampires. So far vampires have not only never been mentioned as a race, but we have had no indication any exist. It cannot be coincidental that this first mention comes when Marvel fans are awaiting the arrival of Blade into the MCU.

This will be the second time around for the blood-sucking un-dead hero, having been played in three movies already by Wesley Snipes long before the creation of Marvel's Cinematic Universe. In the reboot, the daywalker will be played by former Luke Cage star, Mahershala Ali, and although the movie doesn't have a release date yet, it is believed to be heading for the October 2023 slot currently containing an "Untitled Marvel Movie" place holder in Disney's release schedule. The Halloween-timed release would benefit the horror elements of the movie, and there is unlikely to be another movie that would fit that particular release date in quite the same appropriate way.

There is little doubt that being undead, Blade and other vampires could cause a number of anomalies in the "sacred time line" for the TVA to deal with, so it makes sense that they have crossed paths with at least some of their kind already. Of all the places we could have expected a first tease of vampires existing, there are not many who would have put their money on that place being now right in the middle of Loki, but there it is. Just one small reference, and just like that, the first thread leading to Blade's entrance is sewn in place. What other teases will come our way when the penultimate episode of Loki premieres next Wednesday on Disney+.