Over the years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has introduced us to a roster of heroes, from gods like Thor to technological geniuses like Iron Man. But amid these larger-than-life figures stands one of the most grounded heroes in the franchise: Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. Portrayed by Jeremy Renner, Hawkeye has been a part of the MCU since 2011’s Thor. However, despite his consistent presence, many fans feel that Hawkeye’s potential has yet to be fully realized. Now, with the MCU entering a new phase, fans are calling for Kevin Feige to give Hawkeye the upgrade he deserves in Avengers 5.

The comparison fans are making is with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, a character who has been central to the X-Men universe for nearly two decades. Wolverine, despite appearing in multiple films, received a notable “glow-up” with the release of Logan (2017), where the character’s complexity, depth, and story were explored in a way that resonated with audiences. Now that Wolverine is set to return alongside Deadpool, fans believe that it’s time Hawkeye received the same level of respect and attention.

Hawkeye’s Journey in the MCU

Hawkeye’s journey in the MCU began with a brief appearance in Thor, but it wasn’t until The Avengers (2012) that fans got to see the archer in action. Throughout the MCU’s Infinity Saga, Hawkeye played a supporting role, often overshadowed by the super-powered heroes around him. He was the “everyman” amidst a team of gods, geniuses, and super-soldiers. However, this grounded nature made him relatable to many fans, showing that even ordinary humans can stand shoulder to shoulder with extraordinary beings.

But unlike his fellow Avengers, Clint Barton never received the same level of development or backstory. While characters like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America enjoyed their own trilogies, Hawkeye remained in the background. He was given small character moments—his family’s introduction in Avengers: Age of Ultron and his arc as Ronin in Avengers: Endgame—but there was always a sense that Hawkeye’s potential was underutilized.

Hawkeye’s Streaming Success

In 2021, Marvel finally gave fans what they had long been waiting for: a deeper dive into Clint Barton’s character with the Disney+ series Hawkeye. The six-episode series not only gave fans more of Renner’s Barton but also introduced a new hero in the form of Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. The series received critical acclaim, boasting a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and fans praised it for giving Hawkeye the attention he deserved.

One of the key strengths of Hawkeye was its exploration of Barton’s humanity. The series portrayed him as a hero dealing with the physical and emotional toll of his years of service as an Avenger. From his hearing loss to his guilt over Black Widow’s death, Hawkeye gave viewers a glimpse into the psyche of a man who had sacrificed much for the greater good. The show also introduced his relationship with Kate Bishop, a young hero who looks up to him, further adding layers to his character.

Despite the success of the series, fans are still yearning for more. While Hawkeye allowed Clint Barton to step into the spotlight for a moment, many feel that his journey is far from over. This is where the call for an upgrade in Avengers 5 comes into play.

Why Hawkeye Deserves an Upgrade

The argument for Hawkeye’s upgrade in Avengers 5 stems from a sense of fairness. If Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, a character with a long and storied history, can be brought back and given new life in the MCU, then Hawkeye—who has been a core part of the Avengers since the beginning—deserves the same treatment.

Wolverine’s return in the upcoming Deadpool 3 is significant because it shows that the MCU is willing to honor legacy characters and give them the attention they deserve. Wolverine, a fan favorite, has always been a central figure in the X-Men universe, and his return has generated excitement among Marvel fans. The same excitement could be generated for Hawkeye if the MCU were to give him the upgrade fans are calling for.

Moreover, Hawkeye’s status as a non-superpowered hero is part of what makes him so compelling. In a universe filled with characters who can fly, shoot lasers, and manipulate time, Hawkeye stands out for his vulnerability. He’s a hero who relies on skill, determination, and a sense of duty—qualities that resonate with audiences. By giving him a more central role in Avengers 5, the MCU could explore the idea of what it means to be a hero in a world where you’re constantly outgunned.

What Could an Upgrade Look Like?

So, what would an upgrade for Hawkeye in Avengers 5 look like? One possibility is that Clint Barton could take on a mentorship role. With the introduction of Kate Bishop in Hawkeye, it’s clear that the MCU is setting the stage for a new generation of heroes. As a seasoned Avenger, Clint could serve as a mentor not only to Kate but to other young heroes as well. This would give Renner more screen time and allow his character to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Avengers.

Another possibility is that Hawkeye could be given a significant storyline of his own. While the Avengers films are often ensemble pieces, each character typically gets their own arc. In Avengers 5, Hawkeye’s arc could revolve around his legacy and what it means to be a hero without superpowers. This could be a deeply emotional and introspective storyline, allowing Renner to showcase his acting chops.

Fans have also suggested that Hawkeye’s iconic comic book mask could finally make its way into the MCU. While the character has never donned the mask in the films, bringing it into Avengers 5 could be a symbolic gesture, representing Clint fully embracing his role as a hero. It would also be a nod to longtime comic book fans who have been waiting to see the character’s classic look on screen.

The Importance of Legacy in the MCU

At its core, the MCU is about legacy. Characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor have all left their mark on the universe, and now it’s time for Hawkeye to do the same. Clint Barton’s story isn’t just about a man with a bow and arrow—it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the willingness to stand up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is a prime example of how a character’s legacy can be honored and revitalized in the MCU. Wolverine’s return has been met with excitement, and it’s clear that fans appreciate when the MCU takes the time to give beloved characters the spotlight they deserve. The same could be true for Hawkeye.

As Avengers 5 approaches, there’s a growing sense that Clint Barton’s journey isn’t over. Whether through a mentorship role, a personal storyline, or a combination of both, Hawkeye has the potential to be a central figure in the next phase of the MCU. Fans are ready to see Renner’s character get the upgrade he deserves, and with Kevin Feige at the helm, anything is possible.

In conclusion, the MCU did the right thing by respecting Hugh Jackman’s legacy as Wolverine and giving the character a fitting return. Now, it’s time for Kevin Feige to do the same for Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye. By giving the character a more prominent role in Avengers 5, the MCU can honor Clint Barton’s legacy and give fans the hero they’ve been waiting to see in full form.