Hawkeye feels like Marvel Studios' most underrated TV show in many ways. While not every subplot hit the mark (Swordsman's peculiar role in the finale felt like a last-minute change), Hailee Steinfeld and Florence Pugh stole the show as Kate Bishop and Yelena Belova, and Vincent D'Onofrio made his surprise MCU return as The Kingpin.
Oh, and we were blessed with Rogers: The Musical, of course!
There's been no word on a second season, though Jeremy Renner's life-threatening snow plow accident and last year's WGA/SAG AFTRA strikes will have done little to help matters.
Steinfeld made a surprise appearance in The Marvels where she was recruited by Ms. Marvel to what many believe will be the MCU's take on the Young Avengers. However, if scooper @MyTimeToShineH is to be believed, the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse star will suit up as Kate again in Hawkeye season 2.
"Hawkeye has been renewed for a second season," they claim. "Clint's brother, Barney, will play a major role, and the season will be inspired by The Raid, with Kate and Clint stuck in one location."
This sounds like an ideal way to make Hawkeye season 2 on a budget, but to also tell a fun story about these characters with badass action inspired by one of the greatest action movies ever made.
Dredd is a good example of a comic book adaptation taking place in one location. Now, with Disney+ looking to cut costs, this approach to Hawkeye feels like a perfect match for the streamer and its MCU plans (which will now consist of only two TV shows per year).
In the comics, Barney Barton is known as Trickshot and was introduced as the older brother of Clint Barton in 1983's Hawkeye #1.
Barney and Clint grew up in a troubled household and turned to a life of crime as adults. Barney became a skilled marksman and took on the alias Trickshot, using his archery skills for criminal endeavours. However, he eventually reconciled with his brother Clint and even trained him in archery.
Despite his criminal past, Barney has occasionally assisted Clint and other superheroes in their adventures and has struggled with addiction throughout his appearances. He also ended up joining the Dark Avengers, meaning Trickshot could be key in future stories.
Back in February, Jeremy Renner addressed his MCU return and said, "I'm always game. I'm gonna be strong enough, that's for sure. I'll be ready."
The actor would later reveal that his MCU co-stars were one of his biggest sources of support as they were with him throughout the "harrowing" recovery process. "All those guys come to my bedside," he says. "They've been with me all along through this recovery, so...if they want me, they could have me. It would be something."
As for how he's doing in general, the MCU vet revealed he's "probably 90 percent of all the things I needed to be doing."
Are you excited for a potential Hawkeye season 2?