Although Clint Barton is an Avenger who has fought alien armies and evil robots, it seems like Disney+'s Hawkeye might focus on more street-level threats. Along with Kate Bishop, the hero's solo series is introducing more non-powered heroes and villains, including Kazimierz Kazimierczak/Clown, Jack Duquesne/Swordsman and Maya Lopez/Echo. Although this may seem like a downgrade at first, Hawkeye could potentially fill the void left behind by the Marvel Netflix shows.
Unlike most of his fellow Avengers, Clint is not a superhuman or even a larger-than-life human. Instead, he's a regular person who became a master of archery as well as an excellent fighter. While he is still a superhero in his own right, he's also never been able to really shine on the team. Taking a more grounded approach to his story similar to Netflix's Daredevil would be a fitting way to flesh out Clint's character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Even though not every Marvel Netflix series was a hit, their focus on street-level heroes was a refreshing contrast to the movies. With their mature ratings, these shows were allowed to go places that the MCU couldn't. They were darker, grittier, more violent and more firmly grounded in reality. While the Avengers were off fighting around the world and beyond, the Defenders stayed mainly in New York and took on lower-level villains. And just because the stakes weren't as high doesn't mean the stories were any less thrilling to watch.
Since Disney+ is a family-friendly platform, Hawkeye probably won't be as dark as the Netflix shows, but it could still potentially fill the void left by the Defenders. The show is already set to explore Clint's backstory as both Hawkeye and Ronin, the persona he adopted after his wife and children were snapped out of existence by Thanos. It remains to be seen just how much the series will delve into Clint's time as Ronin, but this dark period in his life will have a significant impact on his character going forward. It also makes him more suited to the deeply personal storytelling that was present in the Netflix shows.
Considering which characters the series is introducing, there's a chance that Hawkeye may even share a deeper connection to the Defenders. Specifically, the inclusion of Echo has led fans to theorize that the series could be setting up for the return of both Daredevil and Kingpin. Depending on the tone of the show, this may be the perfect way to reintroduce more of these characters. Many have speculated as to whether or not the Netflix shows are still canon and if the characters will have to be recast in future Marvel projects. Whatever happens, Hawkeye looks like an ideal way for Marvel Netflix heroes and villains to officially crossover into the MCU.
This new era of Marvel series on Disney+ may be more connected to the MCU films, but that doesn't mean everything about the previous Marvel television shows should be forgotten. Many of them featured great heroes, terrifying villains and enthralling stories. As the universe continues to expand into the far reaches of space and possibly into other dimensions and realities, keeping shows like Hawkeye on a street-level will ensure that the MCU keeps at least one foot grounded in reality.
Hawkeye stars Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Vera Farmiga as Eleanor Bishop, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Fra Fee as Kazi, Tony Dalton as Jack Duquesne/Swordsman, Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez/Echo and Zahn McClarnon as William Lopez. The Disney+ series has yet to receive a premiere date.