Marvel Studios just finished 2021 with its Disney+ series, Hawkeye. The show followed Clint Barton as his visit to New York City was interrupted by a mess unintentionally caused by newcomer Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. The two go on to face the Tracksuit Mafia, Alaqua Cox’s Echo, and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin in their quest to end the Ronin legacy once and for all.
The two new partners definitely had a lot to deal with in the series. Not only that, but all of this was happening in New York City, a place where several other superheroes reside.
So where was Spider-Man? After all, he did get a fancy new swinging scene right about the Rockefeller Christmas tree at the end of No Way Home.
There were also plenty of fun nods to Pym Technology, so why didn't Clint consider contacting Ant-Man himself?
Given the stakes involved, it would have made perfect sense for Hawkeye to reach out to former allies. So was there ever a point where that happened?
Where Were Spider-Man & Ant-Man in Hawkeye?
During an interview with Metro, Hawkeye director Rhys Thomas commented on whether someone like Spider-Man was ever conceptually brought into the fold.
The director noted how “[he] asked that question too,” but in the end, “[they] never really talked about [it]:”
“I think I asked that question too, because I was just like, we’re in New York and especially in this finale, there’s a lot going down here, it feels like someone might come to help and he’s doing this all by himself… but we never really talked about whether that would happen or not.”
Throughout the series, Clint Barton can be seen using Pym technology in his arrows. Was a cameo from Paul Rudd's size-changing hero ever in the cards?
Thomas confirmed that he did want to see the two interact, but the team decided to “keep it focused on [Hawkeye]:”
“Ultimately, we had a lot of characters in the show and so it was determined that we’re going to keep it focused to him.”
No Spiders or Ants on Disney+
On one hand, it's a shame that Hawkeye never got help from another hero. One of the beauties of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is how characters can seamlessly crossover between projects, whether for a brief appearance or a meatier role.
On the other hand, it's at least good that Marvel is still being mindful about utilizing outside characters. The ability to swap in and out big named heroes or villains is always tempting. Still, keeping the main story the priority is a healthy way of maintaining storytelling quality.
That said, fans would have gone crazy if they saw Tom Holland’s Spidey show up in his new red and blue suit. After all, the commotion of the ice rink wasn't subtle. Fans will just have to assume that he was busy saving someone elsewhere.
As for Ant-Man, he’s theoretically across the continent—so his absence makes plenty of sense.
Hawkeye is now streaming on Disney+, and Spider-Man: No Way Home is playing in theaters worldwide.
