Hawkeye hasn’t even premiered on Disney+ yet, but it appears a spinoff is already in the works, featuring the character Maya Lopez, a.k.a. Echo. If you aren’t familiar with the comics, Echo was originally introduced as a Daredevil supporting character before joining the Avengers under the guise of Ronin, a seemingly male character. Of course, Hawkeye/Clint Barton later adopted that identity and it was even used in Avengers: Endgame, as Clint went on a killing spree, murdering criminals around the world.
In the comics, Maya has the power to replicate any person’s movements or fighting style, thus her name “Echo.” She is notable for being Native American and deaf, which is why she could not understand what Spider-Man was saying to her at any time (because she can read lips, but he doesn’t have visible lips when his mask is on) or if anyone talked to her out of her line of sight.
Echo was first introduced in the acclaimed Daredevil run by writer Joe Quesada (a.k.a. Marvel Comics’ top dog) and artist David Mack. She debuted as Ronin in The New Avengers #11, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by David Finch.
It is known that Alaqua Cox will portray the character on Hawkeye. Etan Cohen and Emily Cohen are attached to write and executive produce this potential Echo Disney+ series. Additionally, a writers’ room has been assembled.
Hawkeye will star Jeremy Renner, reprising his role from the past Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, and will introduce Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, who took over the role of Hawkeye in the Young Avengers comic book, and the subsequent Hawkeye series. Vera Farmiga will appear as Eleanor Bishop, Kate’s mother. The series will also feature Florence Pugh as the new Black Widow/Yelena Belova, who was supposed to debut in the Black Widow movie, which we still have no idea when to expect. Fra Free co-stars as “Kazi,” a character believed to be Kazimierz Kazimierczak, the Circus of Crime member known as the Clown. Tony Dalton portrays the Swordsman/Jack Duquesne, a character who, in the comics, was Hawkeye’s mentor. Finally, Zahn McClarnon will play Echo’s father, William Lopez.
Jonathan Igla wrote the series and will serve as executive producer. The episodes were directed by Rhys Thomas and Bert & Bertie.
Hawkeye doesn’t have an exact release date yet, but it is expected to arrive sometime later this year. Check back for updates!
Are you a fan of Echo in the comics? Are you excited that she may be getting her own show?
Source: Variety
