MCU Phase 4: 9 Insane Fan Theories You Won't Believe

5. Hawkeye Dies To Become Ronin

Just the other month, a rumour began to circulate saying that something "terrible" would happen to Hawkeye during the events of Infinity War. Further to that, set photos emerged the other week of Jeremy Renner wearing an outfit not all that dissimilar to the one Clint Barton wore when he abandoned the Hawkeye motif in the comics.

Calling himself Ronin, the shift in identity occurred after he was resurrected by the Scarlet Witch (who'd also killed him off - it's a long story). Seemingly content with Kate Bishop - then a Young Avenger - picking up his identity, Clint took on a new persona, one less reliant on his archery skills and defined more-so by his prowess in hand-to-hand combat and bladed weaponry.

Now tasked with leading a New Avengers team, Ronin would mark himself out as being one of the most formidable fighters in the Marvel Universe. While it didn't last, this identity does provide clues as to where Marvel might be taking Barton in the third and fourth Avengers films. Does he die, only to return as Ronin? Or does something else warrant the change in appearance, perhaps in response to his newfound status as a fugitive of the law?

In any case, Hawkeye fans will have plenty to look forward to with this change in persona. If it means he has a place in Phase 4, with his retirement indefinitely postponed and as a co-leader of the Avengers, then the MCU will be much better for it.