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Hawkeye first reactions: Critics praise Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld in new series, call it 'most funny' Marvel show

  • Critics have reacted to MCU's Hawkeye, the first two episodes premiered in London. In the series, Jeremy Renner returns as Clint Barton (Hawkeye) while Hailee Steinfeld joins the MCU as Kate Bishop.
Hawkeye first reactions: Critics praise Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld in new series, call it 'most funny' Marvel show
Hailee Steinfeld and Jeremy Renner in a still from Hawkeye.

Last Updated: 02.38 AM, Nov 13, 2021

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Marvel Cinematic Universe's Hawkeye had a premiere on Thursday and critics have shared first reactions. The show's first two episodes premiered in London and critics who watched it gave their opinion on Twitter. The six-part series sees Jeremy Renner return as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, introduced in the 2011 movie Thor, for his first solo adventure.

Hawkeye is an original new series set in post-blip New York City, where former Avenger Clint Barton, has a seemingly simple mission to get back to his family for Christmas. But when a threat from his past shows up, Hawkeye reluctantly teams up with Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), a 22-year-old skilled archer and his biggest fan, to unravel a criminal conspiracy.

Critic Tessa Smith wrote, "Hawkeye is PERFECT. 15 minutes in & I was a sobbing mess. Feels the most MCU of the Marvel shows with action & story. Great Kate Bishop introduction (@HaileeSteinfeld is AMAZING) but also the show Clint deserves. SO MANY COMIC NODS! Avengers musical in real life, please. #Hawkeye."

CBR's Meagan Damore tweeted, "I am delighted to report that #Hawkeye was everything I wanted it to be! I got to see the first two episodes, and despite my (very high) expectations, it managed to charm me right off my feet. #Hawkeye tactfully balances Kate's origin story with Clint's guilt over his past. Like Kate and Eleanor's relationship, Clint's remorse is subtle, but clearly drives his actions. I'm really hoping for a payoff on this one, but the setup so far has been superb."

Screerant's Ash Crossan wrote on Twitter, "Really enjoyed the first 2 episodes of #Hawkeye! Every Marvel D+ show so far has had a completely different vibe & Hawkeye's lean into the Holiday season is a blast. Eager Kate's dynamic with grumpy Clint is especially great. Can't wait for more Hailee."

According to Comicbook.com’s Brandon Davis, "#Hawkeye opens on a really cool sequence that is super rewarding for long time MCU fans. I loved it. Hailee Steinfeld is a great, energized Kate Bishop. Great new addition who hits the mark! The future for Kate & Clint's dynamic seems really, really fun. Watched 2 eps, want 3!"

SlashFilm’s Ethan Anderton wrote, “#Hawkeye is solid, but doesn’t have a plot that commands attention in the first two episodes. But where it shines is giving Clint Barton time to breathe as a character, showing how he deals with being recognized as a superhero and the hardship that comes with it.”

Gizmodo's Germain Lussier said, "I really enjoyed the first two episodes of #Hawkeye. It's light and breezy in a very Shane Black way but the depths to which it simultaneously explores Clint's trauma and Kate's privilege really surprised me. Not 100% sold on the story yet but the characters are excellent."

Here are a few more reactions:

  • Hawkeye, co-directed by Rhys Thomas, is set in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. It will start streaming on Disney Plus on November 24. The series also features Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d'Arcy James and Alaqua Cox.
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