Clint Barton‘s Hawkeye is finally getting the spotlight he deserves in the upcoming Disney+ series of Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye.” Streaming Nov. 24, we’ll see Barton pass the Hawkeye torch to comic fan favorite Kate Bishop in the 6-episode series as Barton tries to return home in time to see his family for Christmas. Before that happens, you might want to catch up on Hawkeye’s MCU history, so we’ve curated a list of which Marvel movies to watch before the Hawkeye Disney+ Premiere, which can all be streamed on Disney+.
(L-R): Hawkeye/Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Mary Cybulski. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Which Marvel Movies to Watch Before Hawkeye on Disney+
Earth’s Mightiest Marksman has been in several previous Marvel Studio’s films, 6 actually, making Hawkeye in about 25% of the films. Not shabby for an oft supporting character, despite the fact that he tried to give his life for his best friend and she wouldn’t let him.
We first meet Clint Barton in Thor
Clint Barton‘s brief introduction in Thor (2011) is just that: a great intro. While it’s a highly recommended watch, if you’re short on time, or trying to decide which Marvel movies to watch before Hawkeye’s Disney+ premiere, this could be one you cut out.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Barton arrives with his bow and arrow in hand, and the rest—as they say—is history. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, it IS a must-watch before delving into Marvel’s “What If…” series on Disney+ as some of the “what if” scenarios that are explored are based on this introduction.
Clint was mesmerizing in The Avengers
Okay, maybe Clint was mesmerIZED, but you get the idea. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki hypnotized Clint for a good chunk of the movie, but we still get a really good look at Clint Barton as a character.
The biggest story arc component within The Avengers (2012) that is critical to Clint Barton is the backstory and relationship that he has with Natasha Maximoff, played by Scarlett Johansen. There is a scene where they discuss the “red” in her “ledger” as it purports to hits. The infamous line, “You and I remember Budapest differently,” is spoken and we all wonder what exactly that means until Black Window was released (2021) and Barton had a voice cameo. Moreso than the inside story about Budapest, this moment between Barton and Romanoff was one that set the stage for their deep-rooted relationship in the MCU until the bitter end. Get yourself a friend that looks at you the way these two looked at one another.
Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME..L to R: Hawkeye/Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and daughter (Sophia Russo). Photo: Film Frame. ©Marvel Studios 2019
Avengers: Age of Ultron Safehouse Surprise!
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2014) surprised us with something we definitely did not see coming: Clint Barton is married with two young kids and a 3rd on the way. Yep. Clint has a totally secret family. Romanoff was the only one who knew.
Clint has done such a great job at keeping his family safe and hidden, it’s no wonder he loosed his crap when Thanos destroys them in the Snap.
Captain America: Civil War
If you watch Avengers: Age of Ultron, you’ll know that Clint retires after that hot mess. Well, he retires, “for what, like 5 minutes?” (his words). The Sokovia Accords have created a house divided and as a result, the fractured team fights themselves after Clint breaks Wanda free from Tony’s house arrest. Clint and Natasha end up on opposite sides (ish) and Clint ends up doing some time on the Raft.
Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Hawkeye/Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). Photo: Film Frame. ©Marvel Studios 2019
When “Whatever it Takes” Can Mean Everything: Avengers: Endgame
Fast forward to Avengers: Endgame. Clint has been rescued from the Raft, saw his family disappear at the hands (fingers?) of Thanos, and spent 5 years on the run as Ronin doing not nice things.
The Avengers team has conceived a plan to time travel to collect a version of each of the Infinity Stones and undo the Snap. The catch? The Soul Stone requires ” a soul for a Soul,” meaning someone must die in order to get the stone. While on Vormir trying to get the stone, Natasha sacrifices herself so Clint can live out his life with his family—after he said he was going to sacrifice himself and she went ahead and did it anyway.
It seems likely there will be some PTSD from being a cold-blooded murderer during his time as Ronin, as well as survivor’s guilt, grief, and loss that play out in “Hawkeye.”
Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” is on Disney+ Nov. 24.
Have you watched all of the Marvel movies to watch before “Hawkeye” Disney+ Premiere? What’s your favorite moment? Leave us a comment below.
[…] Barton finally gets the spotlight he deserves. After starring in 5 MCU films, Hawkeye is getting his own show, and we assure you that Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” on Disney+ […]