Avengers: Infinity War Director Explains Hawkeye’s Absence From The Trailers

Avengers: Infinity War is now just a few short weeks away and the hype for the movie event of the year is at an all-time high. However, there is one thing that’s irritating fans: where the heck is Hawkeye? Just about every hero who will star in the film has been featured in the trailers, or at the very least the posters. Everyone, that is, except Jeremy Renner’s avenging archer. So, what’s going on?

While talking with Total Film, Infinity War co-director Anthony Russo was on hand to reassure us that there’s a method behind the madness of leaving out one of the founding Avengers from the movie’s marketing. He didn’t say much, but teased that the reason would become clear once we get to see the film:

“All will be explained when people see the movie… It’s all tied into the story.”

The last time we saw Clint Barton was in Captain America: Civil War, where the retired superhero returned to fight alongside Team Cap against the Sokovia Accords. It’s assumed that, after Team Iron Man drove Steve Rogers’ supporters underground, Clint went back to his family at their secret farmhouse. When it comes to Infinity War, set photos have confirmed that Hawkeye will get himself a new look, including a fetching mohawk.

In the same interview, Russo also revealed that Infinity War initially explored the backstory of villain Thanos. However, this element was ultimately excised from the final cut due to the directors questioning how much it was really needed.

“We were considering showing [Thanos’] backstory, but ultimately felt it wasn’t necessary for the movie.”

Russo did reiterate that the movie will still be “told from his point of view,” so it’s not like Josh Brolin’s Mad Titan will get shortchanged amongst the incredibly packed ensemble cast. In fact, evidence suggests we’ll get to know the antagonist pretty well, with the trailers hinting that we’ll see how he adopted his daughter Gamora as well as take a trip to his destroyed homeworld, Titan.

Hawkeye’s apparently top-secret role, meanwhile, – which some have theorized could see him on the hunt for the Soul Stone – will be revealed when Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on April 27th.