“Avengers: Infinity War” is the most anticipated movie of the year. The trailer, released last month, has been viewed more than 116 million times. “Avengers: Infinity War” brings all the Marvel superheroes together – seriously – So. Many. Superheroes. It’s been reported, there are 40 superheroes in one scene! In just the two-minute trailer alone we see: the Guardians of the Galaxy, Spiderman, Thor, the Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man and more. But there is one superhero that is obviously missing from the trailer, archery superstar Hawkeye.
Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner, has made appearances in the two previous Avengers films. He was last spotted picking up his bow in “Captain America: Civil War.” Fans have been vocally disappointed with Hawkeye’s absence in the new trailer, and we’re left wondering: What does this mean for the future of archery in the Avengers’ franchise?
Hawkeye was first spotted making a brief cameo in 2011’s “Thor” but he really burst onto the superhero scene in 2012’s “The Avengers.” Since then, he’s appeared in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Captain America: Civil War.” His archery skills have helped saved the world and put the sport in the spotlight, but Renner’s technique has also famously been criticized. In fact, Hawkeye has been called the “world’s worst archer.” Despite his less-than-perfect technique, millions of fans have enjoyed watching Hawkeye’s rapid-fire shooting and mid-air shots. Many have also been extremely disappointed in the lack of character development he’s been given by the franchise.
Even though he’s not pictured in the “Avengers: Infinity War” trailer, we know Hawkeye will be in the upcoming movie, but there are a number of different theories about what his role will look like. In the last Avengers’ movie, “Age of Ultron,” Hawkeye retired to his farm to spend time with his wife and three kids. But when duty came calling, in the form of stars and stripes, he reappeared in “Captain America: Civil War,” where he teamed up with Captain America, Ant-Man and The Falcon.
The newest film, “Avengers: Infinity War” is the culmination of a decade of work and 18 films. It’s set to be the biggest battle any of these superheroes have ever seen. In the film, the Avengers will take on Thanos, one of the biggest enemies in the universe (previously featured in both Guardians of the Galaxy films).
Renner has been doing press for the upcoming Avengers movie. In the past, he has been outspoken about his disappointed about his character’s role in the first Avengers, and despite his curious absence from the trailer, he assures Hawkeye fans not to worry. In an interview with the South China Morning Post he’s quoted as saying, “We’re doing a lot of really wondrous things that I’ve always wanted to do with this character. I think everyone will be very pleased when they find out what happens.”
Renner’s excitement should have archery fans breathing a sigh of relief for the future of archery in the Avengers franchise, or should it? Fan theories are running wild that Hawkeye will soon swap his bow, for a sword! (Archers everywhere are crying.) The rumor mill thinks Hawkeye will soon take on the role of Ronin, a Marvel character that is a samurai. A fourth Avengers film will be released in 2019, and Renner has confirmed he’s been on set shooting. However, a picture of Renner with a new haircut is adding to the buzz that his character may be undergoing a major change. You can read more about that theory here.
The future of archery in the Avengers franchise may be uncertain right now but fans expect they’ll see at least a little more archery before Hawkeye potentially makes a major character transition. If that’s the case, we’ll be interested to see what kind of gear the archer uses this time around. Hawkeye has upgraded his equipment in the past, most recently shooting a Hoyt Game Master II recurve bow.
What kind of role will archery play in the biggest movie of the year? Will the movie hit a bullseye with archery fans, or will it miss the mark altogether? We’ll find out soon. “Avengers: Infinity War” is scheduled to begin its international release on April 25, 2018. It will be released in the U.S. on May 4, 2018.
