Marvel’s Hawkeye has begun its run on Disney Plus, focusing on the Avenger’s archer, Clint Barton, and his new (albeit unwanted) apprentice in Kate Bishop. A mere mortal amongst figurative gods in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hawkeye proved to be an integral part of the heroic team, a cornerstone that held them together in a way. But, during the time of the Blip, Barton went down a dark path and became Ronin, a murderous assassin who looked to eliminate the criminal element permanently. However, this wasn’t the first choice for the character as newly released concept art from Avengers: Endgame proves.
Artist Andy Park, longtime concept artist for Marvel Studios, shared an image on Instagram of Hawkeye that he developed for Endgame. In the caption, he talks about the more armored version of Hawkeye’s classic look before the studio went the Ronin route. It definitely looks like the MCU interpretation of the comic book costume, a more ‘real life’ armored and practical uniform.
This look would have been a pretty cool look for Barton, one that would feel like the character finally accepting his place amongst the superheroes. However, with what we’re seeing in the new Hawkeye series, it was probably best that they didn’t go this way.
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With part of the new series focusing on Hawkeye’s Imposter Syndrome as well as fallout from his time as Ronin, this concept art look wouldn’t work. But this look may still show up. If the series does lead to some closure for Barton and him accepting his role as an Avenger to the fullest extent, this outfit could be a nice visual representation of said acceptance at the end of the series.
Whatever does happen, though, it is a very cool looking costume for the archer and one that fans can debate over whether it should have been included or not in the MCU.
What do you think of this concept art for Hawkeye? Let us know in the comments below!