Behind the scenes footage was recently leaked from the NYC subway set of the upcoming Marvel Studios and Disney+ series Hawkeye. The brief video features Avengers alum and series lead Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, Marvel Cinematic Universe newcomer Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop and a yet unknown furry companion, who is likely going to be Lucky, a.k.a. Pizza Dog. Renner also hinted at the pup's inclusion in the series, and the leaked video suggests that the actor's clue has been confirmed.
The canine character is a fan favorite, who made his debut in Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye Issue #1. Originally named Arrow, the dog was owned and neglected by Barton's seedy landlord and enemy, Ivan Banionis. During a violent encounter between Barton, Banionis and his men, known as the Tracksuit Mafia, Arrow sustains injuries as he fights the goons to save Barton's life.
Eventually, the heartless group throws the dog into traffic and leave him to die, but Barton rushes him to the vet and saves him. The poor pup loses sight in his left eye from the attack, but he finds a loving home and a better chance at life with Barton, who renames him Lucky.
Lucky is beloved by readers for his endearing relationship with both Barton and Bishop. From his rescue onward, he and Barton are best buds, with Lucky serving as a much-needed comfort in Barton's otherwise chaotic life. As Barton befriends Bishop, so does Lucky. When times are at a near all-time low for Barton, Lucky even joins Bishop on a move to Los Angeles, still playing his role of goofy and loyal companion.
One of the most popular issues of Fraction and Aja's Hawkeye series is Issue #11, a murder mystery all from Lucky's point of view, and it is quite literally colorized as how a dog would see the world. This charming and creative approach to the beloved character's antics is often funny and at times sad, and it is told with minimal dialogue and amusing icons. This issue alone will sell anyone on Lucky.
There's hope that Lucky will be a featured lead in the series and not just an accessory to his human counterparts. The dog's lovable appeal is very much based in how emotive and in tune he is with every situation Barton and Bishop get themselves in, and he would be a welcomed addition to the highly anticipated Disney+ series.
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.