Kate Bishop's debut in the Hawkeye series is much more exciting than Clint Barton's return. As beloved as the bow-wielding Avenger has become throughout the MCU's cinematic tenure, there's an emotional richness and complexity to Kate's comics history that is bound to provide refreshing storylines and topics that the MCU hasn't tackled in previous projects. That Hailee Steinfeld – who is arguably one of the most talented actresses of her generation – is going to portray her all but cements her character as the real draw of the series, which has been quickly proved by the first trailer for Hawkeye, which revealed Kate Bishop's introduction and more.
This isn't, of course, to say that Clint Barton's appeal has expired. In fact, his role as Hawkeye and his checkered past as Ronin make him crucial for the MCU going forward. The dark places he has been to and the mistakes he has made afford him a valuable perspective that he could on to Kate Bishop. Judging by the conversations and images surrounding Hawkeye so far, it's apparent that Clint's role as Kate's mentor is set to be in the spotlight of the Disney+ series. Viewers had the first look at this relationship in the first trailer for Hawkeye, which landed in September. It shows how the two characters meet – a moment tied strongly to Hawkeye's past as Ronin – and the mentor-mentee relationship they develop over the course of the series, with Bishop's development into a new Hawkeye clearly both putting her in harms way (which she appears equipped to handle) and having her learn a whole range of new skills from Clint Barton.
That being said, Kate Bishop is the more exciting prospect of the Hawkeye series because she's a young woman. This is a perspective that the MCU has been lacking egregiously throughout its predominantly male-driven filmography. Indeed, the Marvel comics show Kate going solo, taking charge of her narrative, overcoming her trauma, and discovering her inner strength. Like Clint Barton, she is a self-made hero who has trained herself in order to keep up with her superpowered teammates. But what Kate ultimately has is a story of personal survival and triumph that, in the current #MeToo era of Hollywood, is a much-needed emotional dimension within the MCU.
MCU Phase 4 so far has indelibly proven to be more mature in its approach to themes that were only alluded to in previous phases. WandaVision.
From the first glimpses of the main cast in action, there's clearly no one better to portray the role of this young woman in the MCU than Hailee Steinfeld, which makes the promise of the series all that more exciting. Steinfeld, though only 24 at the time Hawkeye premieres, has already more than proved her acting ability, picking up an Oscar nomination for Best ing Actress at 14, and also leading action blockbuster Bumblebee. Her most recent project, Dickinson, in which she leads the cast at the titular poet, clearly demonstrates her ability to channel pathos, empathy, humor, and gravitas to any role she takes on, which will be vital for her role as Kate Bishop in Hawkeye.
But what's most significant about the introduction of Kate Bishop and her story is that it indicates a positive Avengers: Endgame. Before Phase 4, in fact, only Captain Marvel and Wasp received top-billing credits. It is therefore monumental that Kate will appear in Hawkeye. Though the title of the series may refer to Clint right now, she does inevitably take on the mantle herself. The symbolism here is irrefutable: An empowered young heroine replaces the older hero as a result of hard work, self-determination, and personal strength. Women are the future of the MCU indeed.