Hawkeye: First reactions praise Hailee Steinfeld, Jeremy Renner, & New York-level story

The first reactions to Disney+’s Hawkeye have hit social media in all of their spoiler-free glory and they are heaping praise on the latest Marvel series and it appears that Hailee Steinfeld is a true winner as Kate Bishop.

The early reactions to Hawkeye come from critics who were lucky enough to view the first two episodes ahead of its November 24, 2021, premiere. The unanimous praise is all going to Hailee Steinfeld who is earning raves for her turn as Kate Bishop. They also point out the easy-going student and mentor chemistry she has with Jeremy Renner, who is finally getting his time to truly shine in the MCU as Clint Barton aka Hawkeye. The series is also earning kudos for its smaller, New York-level story that still raises the stakes for what’s to come in the MCU. The series’ Christmas/holiday vibe has also been pointed to as a highlight. You can check out some of the early reactions to Hawkeye below!

Jeremy Renner began his run as Clint Barton/Hawkeye in 2011’s Thor in a brief cameo appearance that set up his larger role in the ensemble film, The Avengers. Renner has played the role several times since, last appearing in AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Hawkeye had his most significant character development during Avengers: Age of Ultron but it could be argued that he hasn’t really gotten his true moment to shine in the MCU. The Disney+ Hawkeye series will give the character the exposure he deserves.

Appearing alongside Renner and Steinfeld in Hawkeye are Vera Farmiga, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James, and Fra Fee. The series will also introduce Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez aka Echo, a deaf superhero who can perfectly copy another person’s movements. There is some speculation that the series will take some of its inspiration from Matt Fraction’s comic book run that started in 2012. Part of that story included Clint Barton dealing with sudden hearing loss after a battle with the hitman, Clown, thanks to the villain stabbing him in both ears with his own arrows. Fra Fee will be playing Clown on the series so this speculation could very well be true. Along with the already mentioned ensemble cast, Florence Pugh, who was introduced as Yelena Belova in Black Widow, will also be appearing on the series. The basic premise of the series follows Clint Barton in New City where he must work together with the young archer Kate Bishop to confront enemies of his past as Ronin in order to get back to his family in time for Christmas.

What are your thoughts on the early reactions to Hawkeye? The 6-episode series will debut its first two episodes on November 24, 2021, and will conclude on December 22, 2021.