WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for "Echoes," the third episode of Marvel Studios' Hawkeye, now streaming on Disney+.
There are many changes any adaptation makes, and bringing Hawkeye to the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is no different. While the hero's solo series offers an unprecedented opportunity to focus on the Avenger's archer and capture what is great about him in the comics like never before, it also builds on a character already established in the MCU to be quite different from his comic book counterpart.
A scene in the latest episode proves exactly how different Hawkeye is as he looks at a more comic-inspired proposal for his costume and explains why it wouldn't work for him. While the costume may be a great yet goofy part of the comics, Hawkeye does a perfect job of explaining why it just shouldn't be part of the character on screen.
The scene takes place in a diner following a car chase. After using an assortment of trick arrows, Clint and Kate regroup. The car chase was thrilling and may inspire many fans to believe they are finally getting the Hawkeye from the comics they always knew and loved, but as Bishop lectures Hawkeye on the importance of being a symbol and wearing an inspiring costume, the audience quickly learns why the MCU Hawkeye is a definitively different character.
Bishop expands on an earlier point she made about seeing Hawkeye as inspirational, informed by her own view of the hero when she was just a kid. She sketches out a costume complete with hawk-like "wings" around the eyes and an "H" on the forehead that serves as his insignia. The costume she designs is familiar to comic book fans as Hawkeye's original costume. However, the MCU Hawkeye rejects it, saying that he is not used to the spotlight and needs to be a "ghost" in order to do his job well.
The Hawkeye of the MCU worked as an operative for SHIELD before becoming an Avenger, going on many secret missions with Black Widow that left both out of the limelight. Even after he joins the Avengers, he only reveals that he has a family when it proves absolutely necessary, and his reserved nature keeps him from ever hogging attention or glory when in combat. Out of all the Avengers, the MCU's Hawkeye is the most professional, prone to cynicism where the more ridiculous aspects of the world around him are concerned.
Looking at his reference point in the comics, he's just fundamentally different from the Hawkeye first seen in the pages of Tales of Suspense. An integral part of Hawkeye's background in the comics is that he is a carnie, raised in a circus and trained in showmanship. This carries over into his superhero persona, where he frequently proves brash and headstrong against his fellow teammates. Even as the character developed over the years he kept a key part of his charisma, becoming a leader and prominent member of teams like the Thunderbolts. The corny, purple costume with the flared out wings and "H" on the head is all part of the show.
Frankly, the MCU's Hawkeye is right that the costume just wouldn't be right for him. Previous Disney+ installments like WandaVision and Loki had their own moments where the characters' classic costumes were worn to be played for laughs, but in showing Bishop's illustration and Hawkeye's rejection of it, Hawkeye manages to gesture at the same joke without taking it too far. And yet, it's hard to escape the feeling that it may be setting up something greater.
While the purple costume may not be right for the character Hawkeye is now, it may become right for him down the road. Clearly he is a more inspiring figure than he acknowledges, inspiring Bishop to become an up-and-coming hero. In accepting that role and growing into it, the MCU's Hawkeye may eventually dawn a version of the classic costume that is perfect for him. but he may need to grow into it first.
Hawkeye is now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released every Wednesday.