With "Avengers: Infinity War" still on queue, there is not much known about "Avengers 4." However, new set photos from the final chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Three pretty much confirm that Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is getting a new alias and costume by the time the film rolls.
The images that showed up on Chinese website Weibo (via Twitter) see Renner sporting a black outfit from head to toe. Of course, the actor has often worn dark outfits in the past films, but his legs are a dead giveaway of the fate that awaits Hawkeye. As seen from the photos below, the gold markings on his knees and shins look exactly like Clint Barton's Ronin persona.
Although Barton is primarily known as Hawkeye in the comics, he has adopted numerous identities over the years and one of them is Ronin (the term for a master samurai). Per Comic Book, he traded in his bow and arrows for katanas as he secretly transformed into the darker character following the events of "Civil War." Hawkeye's transformation has already been expected in the MCU.
Not only has it been confirmed that "Avengers 4" will film some scenes in Japan, where the concept of Ronin originated, Renner was also spotted wearing a new haircut back in August, teasing the change. Rumor has it that the scenes taking place in Japan would show Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) battling criminals. If Hawkeye's transformation indeed happens, he could assist his old partner as Ronin.
It remains unclear what would set Hawkeye down this path. However, considering the inclusion of his family in "Age of Ultron," one plausible explanation for his evolution to Ronin would be the Avenger's loved ones dying or hurt.
Despite all the evidence, it is still worth stressing that the aforementioned is just a rumor until the studio gives a confirmation.
Renner will be back in action as Hawkeye in "Avengers: Infinity War," which opens in cinemas on May 4, 2018, before potentially transforming into Ronin in "Avengers 4" on May 3, 2019.
