Hawkeye Is Officially Retired When Avengers: Infinity War Kicks Off

As a two-minute preview of what’s to come, the Avengers: Infinity War trailer was a spectacular vertical slice of 2018’s most-anticipated movie.

Between Alan Silvestri’s rousing score and that awesome slow-motion shot of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – a common filmmaking device that’s now appeared across all three of Marvel’s team-up movies – the studio’s sneak peek undoubtedly delivered the goods and then some.

But if there’s one MCU stalwart who was unfairly relegated to the sidelines, it was Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton. Yes, Hawkeye was conspicuously absent from Infinity War‘s first-look teaser and now, we think we know why. Thanks to the recent prelude comic for the film, which has been the gift that keeps on giving by spilling tons of new info, we’re learning that when Avengers 3 kicks off, Mr. Barton will be officially retired from duty, at home and spending time with his family.

Don’t believe us? Just check out the panel below:

Along with Scott Lang, it seems as if Hawkeye is taking some much needed time off from his job as one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, though unfortunately, his break won’t last long. We’re not sure what will spur him back into action – perhaps Thanos laying waste to his wife and kids? – but we do know with 100% certainty that he’ll be suiting back up and will even make the transition to Ronin at some point.

Not only that, but we can also look forward to the character having a real chance to shine once he returns, as Renner recently told us that the film will do “wondrous things” with Hawkeye. What exactly that means, we don’t know, but we don’t have long left before we see Barton and the rest of the gang back on the big screen, as the Avengers will assemble to take down Thanos once and for all on May 4th, when Infinity War storms into theaters.