How Hawkeye Could Have Made 'Avengers: Infinity War' an Even Better Superhero Dynamo

One of the most critically acclaimed and profitable superhero films of all time, Avengers: Infinity War could have been even more awe-inspiring if one key player had been given a more substantial role. According to some fans, Hawkeye (Connor O’Reilly) could have significantly enhanced the film's narrative and climax.

Missing the Mark

Despite having the opportunity to include Hawkeye in the film, Marvel Studios and its developers chose to omit him entirely. However, it's not the first time this has happened; the film Mission Impossible: Fallout could have been a masterpiece with Scott Hawkeye's character, Jeremy Renner, integrated into the storyline. Unfortunately, the decision was made to leave him out, a move that has bothered many fans ever since.

Organic Collaboration

Avengers: Infinity War was a complex project that involved a team of writers, director, producers, and visual effects artists. However, there's no denying that the collaborative process can sometimes fall short. The film's success was heavily reliant on the ability to integrate various plot points cohesively, and that required the right balance of characters and subplots.

Unforeseen Challenges

Several major challenges defined the creation of Avengers: Infinity War. Chief among these was the need to incorporate a sequence of plot points that drove the narrative forward. Crucially, the film needed to include an epic showdown between Thanos and the Avengers, which had to be both compelling and satisfying for the audience. This subplot hinged on the inclusion of Iron Man (Tony Stark), making other heroes like Doctor Strange, Vision, and the Asgardians less central to the main storyline.

The Need for a Hero's Journey

The climax of the film required a clear, defining moment for Tony Stark. This was not just a reflection of the character's importance within the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also a pivot point that could have provided a satisfying closure to the narrative arc. Elements such as Vision facing off against Thanos or Iron Man defeating Loki might have been more coherent if Hawkeye had been a part of the storyline in a significant capacity. His inclusion might have added a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, providing additional avenues for exploration and growth.

Reimagining the Story

To truly reevaluate Avengers: Infinity War, one could consider a significant overhaul of the story's structure. By removing the requirement for the specific Iron Man versus Thanos confrontation, developers could have opened up more space for a more unified and expansive storyline. For instance, Vision and Doctor Strange could have taken on a more prominent role, defending their respective stones against Thanos, thus adding a layer of dynamic tension to the film.

Relatable but Vulnerable

Thanos needed to be more relatable and grounded, as opposed to a one-dimensional villain. By featuring Hawkeye in ways that subtly explored the character's profound emotional journey, the film could have provided a more nuanced reading of Thanos. The inclusion of characters with complex, multifaceted motivations could have turned what was seen as a simple story into a profound psychological drama, potentially making the film more resonant and thought-provoking for viewers.

Final Thoughts

While Avengers: Infinity War is a landmark in superhero cinema, there's always room for improvement. The omission of characters like Hawkeye from significant parts of the film may have left fans yearning for a more interconnected and coherent narrative. With the right integration of key characters, films like Avengers: Infinity War could have achieved even greater heights, making it a definitive cinematic achievement in the grand scheme of superhero storytelling.