As it turns out, we got pretty close to getting aHawkeyemovie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, we’re getting a TV series starring Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, which will make its way to Disney+ as part of Phase 4 of the MCU. But the plan, originally, was to finally give the unsung hero of The Avengers a probably overdue solo feature before the strategy at Marvel Studios shifted.
Disney+is set to become a major hub for Marvel in the future. Not just for movies after they’re done playing in theaters, but multiple shows that are firmly rooted within the MCU, unlike many other recent live-action Marvel shows, are being developed for the service. This includesThe Falcon and The Winter Solider,Loki,WandaVisionand yes,Hawkeye. Though, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and head of Marvel Studios had to pitch the idea to Jeremy Renner before it could get the go-ahead.
As part of a recent report detailing Disney’s lofty plans for its upcoming streaming service, Kevin Feige talked a bit about the plannedHawkeyemovie. There was a deal in place with Renner, who has starred in five MCU movies to date, including in this year’sAvengers: Endgame, to give him a solo movie. Kevin Feige had to pitchJeremy Renneron the idea of a show instead. Luckily, the Oscar-nominated actor was game for it. Here’s what Feige had to say.
“He totally got it and said, ‘Let’s do it.'”
Jeremy Renner made his debut as Clint Barton inThor, via a brief cameo, before properly being brought into the fold inThe Avengers. Since then, he’s become an integral part of the MCU. The closest situation would be that of Scarlett Johannson’s Black Widow. She’s similarly been a major part of this universe since virtually the beginning, but only now is she getting a movie.Black Widowwill be the first Phase 4 movie when it hits theaters in May 2020. It stands to reason that if Natasha Romanoff can get a solo movie, so canHawkeye. But with Marvel trying to bring attention to Disney+, it made sense to shift that project over to the small screen. Similarly, Lucasfilm was going to make an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie, but recently announced plans for a series on Disney+.
The show will center on Clint passing the torch to the young Kate Bishop, the female version of the character from the comics. Beyond that, firm details largely remain scarce. Though it has been noted thatsome fans want to cancel Hawkeyeor have someone replace Renner altogether as the character in the MCU.
At present, things are a little rocky asJeremy Renner is facing serious abuse allegationsfrom his ex-wife, leading to rumors that the actor may be recast. For now, Marvel hasn’t commented on the matter officially.Hawkeyeis expected to begin filming next year for release in 2021. Disney+ launches in the U.S. on November 12. This news comes to us via Bloomberg.
