Fan-Favorite Avenger Snubbed: No Endgame Sequel Invite

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Identifying the "Snubbed" Avenger: Hawkeye's Unexpected Absence

Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, despite being an original Avenger, seemed to receive surprisingly limited attention in the post-Endgame MCU. While his character arc in Endgame was impactful, many felt his contributions deserved further exploration. His quiet heroism and family-centric storyline resonated deeply with audiences.

• High fan engagement on social media platforms regarding their absence: The hashtag #HawkeyeDeservedBetter trended consistently across platforms like Twitter and Instagram after Endgame's release, indicating significant fan disappointment.
• Strong merchandise sales despite limited screen time in Endgame: Hawkeye merchandise, including his Ronin costume replicas, continued to sell well, demonstrating enduring fan interest.
• Consistent placement in "best Avenger" polls and online rankings: Numerous online polls and fan rankings consistently placed Hawkeye among the top Avengers, highlighting his continued popularity. This speaks volumes about the sustained interest in the character despite his reduced role in the overall MCU narrative after Endgame.

Exploring Potential Reasons for Exclusion: Narrative Choices and Future Plans

Several factors could explain Hawkeye's limited presence in the post-Endgame MCU. Marvel Studios likely made strategic creative decisions about which storylines to prioritize.

• The character's arc concluded satisfactorily in Endgame: Hawkeye's journey, marked by his family's near-loss and his redemption as Ronin, felt largely complete by the end of Endgame. This narrative closure may have informed Marvel's decision to focus on developing other characters.
• Focusing on newer characters to expand the MCU universe: The MCU's expansion required introducing and developing new heroes and storylines. This might have shifted focus away from established characters like Hawkeye, who already had a well-defined arc.
• Potential for future solo projects or appearances in other phases: While not immediately present in the post-Endgame films, the possibility of future solo projects or appearances in other MCU phases remains. This keeps the door open for a Hawkeye comeback without immediately rushing his reintroduction. His Disney+ series, Hawkeye, proved that this strategy could work.

Fan Reaction and Online Discourse: The Outpouring of Disappointment

The lack of a significant Hawkeye presence following Endgame ignited a substantial online reaction. Fans expressed their frustration and disappointment through various channels.

• Significant online petitions demanding the Avenger's return: Several online petitions gathered thousands of signatures, highlighting the strength of feeling among fans regarding Hawkeye's apparent relegation.
• Viral social media hashtags expressing disappointment: Hashtags like #GiveHawkeyeHisDue and #WhereIsHawkeye trended frequently on social media, illustrating the widespread dissatisfaction among fans.
• Fan-made theories speculating on the character's future: The lack of official confirmation led to various fan theories about Hawkeye's future involvement in the MCU, highlighting the sustained interest and engagement within the fanbase.

The Impact on the MCU's Future: A Missed Opportunity?

The decision to limit Hawkeye's post-Endgame role has broader implications for the MCU. Excluding a beloved and established character might affect audience engagement and future storylines.

• Potential loss of audience interest due to the exclusion: While not a catastrophic blow, overlooking a significant fan-favorite character might slightly diminish overall audience engagement.
• Missed opportunities for crossovers and expanded storylines: The absence of Hawkeye prevented potential crossovers and story expansions involving his established relationships with other MCU characters.
• Influence on fan expectations for future MCU releases: The way Marvel handled Hawkeye's post-Endgame role might influence fan expectations regarding the future treatment of other beloved characters.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Debate of the Fan-Favorite Avenger Endgame Sequel

Hawkeye's relatively minor role in the post-Endgame MCU sparked considerable debate. His popularity, the reasons for his exclusion, fan reactions, and the impact on the MCU’s future are all interconnected factors. While his narrative arc in Endgame provided a sense of closure, his absence still resonates with many fans. The MCU's evolution requires careful consideration of established characters alongside the introduction of new heroes.

While the absence of a Fan-Favorite Avenger from the Endgame sequel was disappointing for many, the MCU continues to evolve. Let us know in the comments which Avenger you think was unfairly left out and why! Share your thoughts on the Fan-Favorite Avenger Endgame Sequel debate using #MCUexclusion or #HawkeyeMCU.