Missing: one Clint Barton. Last known whereabouts: the climax of Captain America: Civil War, in which he fought alongside Team Cap on the belief that the Sokovia Accords would only do more harm than good.
That’s all well and good, but the fact that Hawkeye has been conspicuously absent from the Avengers: Infinity War marketing campaign hitherto has led many to question Barton’s role in the forthcoming Marvel sequel.
It’s also spawned countless theories online, as curious Marvel fans attempt to solve the riddle prior to April 27th – the date of Infinity War‘s grand release – and they’re as weird and wonderful as you’d expect. Hell, one particularly bonkers claim asserted that Hawkeye is, in fact, the Soul Stone, and his role in Avengers 3 is greater than any of us could’ve imagined.
One thing we can tell you with absolute certainty is that Infinity War will explain why Clint Barton has fallen off the radar to become the MCU’s most-wanted fugitive.
That we can’t say either. But we will say that, you know, a guy who’s a fugitive has to have a solution for being a fugitive, especially when he has a family. You’ll find out in this movie what his solution was.
That’s Joe Russo there, explaining to Entertainment Tonight that, yes, Avengers 3 will deliver the answers we so crave. And while the speculation has at times bordered on the ridiculous, Anthony Russo assured budding viewers that Hawkeye being left by the wayside – during the sequel’s marketing, at least – was no accident.
It was really awesome — exactly, like Joe said. I love those moments when you are reminded that every one of these characters has a very dedicated fan base. It’s amazing. But certainly, it was surprising when it was assumed to be some kind of a mistake.
All will be revealed once Avengers: Infinity War opens big on April 27th.
