In just a few weeks, Marvel Studios will cap off its 2021 slate with the premiere of Hawkeye on Disney+. The studio is undoubtedly facing a lot of pressure to end the year on a high note. But thankfully, it looks like Marvel has another hit on its hands. Critics have begun sharing their first reactions to the series’ first two episodes on Twitter. And so far, the Hawkeye reactions have been very positive.
Hawkeye finds Jeremy Renner reprising his role as Clint Barton from Marvel’s big-screen adventures. However, he isn’t the show’s only MVP. The series also brings Hailee Steinfeld into the MCU as Clint’s protégé, Kate Bishop. According to those who’ve seen it, her performance is easily one of the show’s greatest strengths. Check out a few highlights below.
Many critics, including ComicBook.com’s Brandon Davis, singled out Steinfeld’s onscreen chemistry with Renner. Apparently, the banter between their characters is what really makes the show.
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#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! pic.twitter.com/BzBsuc5XmC
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) November 11, 2021
I truly enjoyed every second of #Hawkeye’s first two episodes. Plus, I already adore the dynamic between Clint Barton & Kate Bishop. @JeremyRenner and @HaileeSteinfeld work so well together, creating a fun & entertaining new series. There’s also a lot of heart, which I loved. pic.twitter.com/o26MKsohrT
— Sophia Soto (@srsoto26) November 11, 2021
Other reactions applauded the show’s holiday theme as well as its smaller scale compared to Marvel’s earlier Disney+ ventures. In fact, this has led a few critics to compare Hawkeye to the studio’s Netflix output.
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Hawkeye is good, Christmasy fun. It does feel the least ambitious of the MCU series thus far (obviously that could change after 2 episodes). Reminds me a bit of the Netflix series. Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop is a treat and I can’t wait until she meets Pugh’s Yelena. #Hawkeye pic.twitter.com/NcroguuQgK
— Richard Newby (@RICHARDLNEWBY) November 11, 2021
First 2 episodes of #Hawkeye are a great introduction and somewhat refreshing. Was really enjoyable to see a small scale MCU story that reminded me of the good Marvel Netflix stuff
Hailee Steinfeld shines as Kate Bishop & immediately makes the role her own. Excited for the rest! pic.twitter.com/vORI9q9e8m
— Jacob (@JacobDFilm) November 11, 2021
#Hawkeye is a refreshing break from the grand-scale cosmic (and multiversal) madness we’ve seen from the MCU recently, going fully street-level to deliver a fun and engaging Christmas-coloured murder mystery. Full review on @DiscussingFilm pic.twitter.com/avQubJj6RM
— Ariel (@AriRELK) November 11, 2021
Although Steinfeld’s Kate often steals the spotlight, Renner isn’t exactly left hanging. In fact, several other reviews praised the show for giving Clint the meaningful storyline he never got in the Avengers movies. Plus, seasoned Marvel fans will appreciate all the references to his comic book exploits as well.
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 pic.twitter.com/vW6uv4jOay
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) November 11, 2021
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#Hawkeye is freaking phenomenal, most fun I’ve had watching a #Marvel show all year! @JeremyRenner finally gets the perfect showcase and is a complete badass while @HaileeSteinfeld is effortlessly charming as #KateBishop. Probably my favorite new addition to the MCU. pic.twitter.com/CWQmEugXLf
— Rohan Patel (@KingPatel7) November 11, 2021
But not all critics were wowed by the series’ first two chapters. CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell remarked that he enjoyed the show’s opening scene. But beyond this, it was hard to stay fully-engaged. Still, he seems intrigued by what’s to come.
The first two episodes of #Hawkeye were decent, but nothing that grabbed me after the first episode’s killer opening. Kate Bishop is a terrific character and Hailee is excellent. But the pacing is off, scenes drag, and I’m waiting for it to take off. I give it three RENNERs. pic.twitter.com/6hhGXrwJOL
— Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell) November 11, 2021
Hawkeye will air its first two episodes on Disney+ on November 24.
How do you feel about these early reactions to the series? Let us know in the comment section below!
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