The new Hawkeye series coming to Disney+ finally allows fans to dive into the founding Avenger. Through an episodic structure, fans can also explore more of the street-level worlds of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including its heroes. While some of his allies have already been shown in the trailer, like Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), the series could leave the door open to another upcoming MCU addition: Blade.
In the comics, Eric Brooks is a daywalker and vampire hunter. As a daywalker, he has all of a vampire's strengths but none of their weaknesses, save for the thirst. Using these skills, he is able to decimate the vampire nation and has even been a part of the Avengers because of his efficiency and heroism. However, while he has been Blade for most of his tenure, he's also assumed a more familiar alias seen in the comics and film.
The Ronin identity was introduced in the MCU through Clint Barton. While this was how he was introduced in the comics, the mantle didn't retire when Clint was done. In fact, other heroes have worn the suit over the years since his appearance. As the trailer shows, the Hawkeye series will introduce Kate Bishop as someone adopting the identity when she meets Clint. With Ronin possibly becoming something of a legacy title, it might only be a matter of time before Blade takes over it.
In the comics, Blade adopts the Ronin moniker during the Infinity event and stays on as a temporary member of the Mighty Avengers. However, his identity is kept hidden for a portion of his time in the role. Initially, he appears wearing a Halloween costume but takes Barton's Ronin suit after finding it in a box of his old things. A similar event could be what introduces Blade in the future. Since Barton has abandoned the Ronin identity, it's officially up for grabs, and if Blade is getting his start, he could use the Ronin attire to protect his city from the shadows.
However, if the Hawkeye show wants to, it could get even more meta and turn the Tracksuit Draculas into literal creatures of the night. In the comics, they are just a group of enforcers and mercenaries that Hawkeye jokingly calls "Tracksuit Draculas." But since the MCU is known for taking subtle liberties inspired by the source material, this organization could probably become vampiric in hopes of gaining the upper hand on Barton later on in the series. If so, Blade could be a shoo-in as Ronin.
For now, many things remain unknown regarding the characters and events that will appear in Hawkeye. But as the supernatural corners of the Marvel universe begin to emerge from the shadows, it will need someone to protect the innocents. Blade's appearance as Ronin could be just the solution that New York City and the street-level heroes will need.
Hawkeye premieres on Disney+ starting November 24.