Warning: This list contains spoilers for the season finale of Hawkeye!

If early reviews are any indication, then the ending of Hawkeye was arguably the best of any MCU series on Disney+ so far. It wrapped up major arcs in satisfying fashion while also setting the stage for some aspects of the franchise's future that are sure to be a blast.

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The series did follow the other shows in at least one way. Hawkeye managed to set the stage for many aspects surrounding the future of the MCU. It debuted new characters, brought back several major ones, expanded on backstories, and more. That's going to allow for some interesting things in Phase Four and beyond.

Echo As A Protagonist

Alaqua Cox's Echo standing in a warehouse in Hawkeye

The end of the second episode revealed a mysterious woman as seemingly the main antagonist of the series. She turned out to be Maya Lopez but she was just someone who wanted revenge for her father's death at the hands of Ronin and she wasn't actually in charge or calling the shots. The backstory shown for her also painted her in a sympathetic light.

That was all groundwork being laid to establish her as a future protagonist in the MCU. It has already been confirmed that Maya, also known as Echo, will be getting her own Disney+ series slated for 2023. With her finding out the truth about her father's death and helping to take down Kazi and Kingpin in the finale, Echo can now be a potential hero down the line.

A Potential Major Villain In Kingpin

Wilson Fisk in his Hawaiian shirt in Hawkeye

With Maya not being the main villain, it was revealed that it was actually Kingpin, with Vincent D'Onofrio reprising his acclaimed role from the Daredevil series on Netflix. This opened a ton of doors within the MCU as anyone who watched that show will know just how ruthless Wilson Fisk can truly be.

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There are questions surrounding his future though since the finale saw him come face to face with a vengeful Maya, who fired a gun at him at point-blank range. Of course, comic book fans know that if a death isn't confirmed or seen on screen, there's likely something fishy going on. If Maya couldn't do the deed for whatever reason, there's a good chance Kingpin will stick around as a threat in New York, maybe even for a certain friendly neighborhood superhero.

Clint Barton Becoming A Mentor

Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton in a white button down with a quiver of arrows in Hawkeye

There have often been many jokes aimed at Clint Barton for being the dude with a bow and arrow fighting alongside Gods, super-soldiers, and more. However, that gave Barton a level of bravery that is almost unmatched and it showed that anyone can be a hero. With so many original Avengers gone, the ones still around can instill their wisdom on the next generation.

Clint was reluctant at first but he ultimately played the mentor role for Kate Bishop and even accepted her as his partner by the finale. With her set to be the next Hawkeye and him focusing on his family, his days of fighting are likely over. However, he can still work as a mentor for Kate and other young heroes thanks to this show.

Another Young Avenger

An image of Hailee Steinfeld looking nervous as Kate Bishop in Hawkeye

If there's one thing that the Disney+ MCU shows have done well, it's set up the next era of superheroes. The franchise has used these shows to introduce several members of the Young AvengersWandaVision had Tommy and Billy, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier debuted Eli Bradley, and Kid Loki showed up in Loki.

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Another major member of the team is Kate Bishop and given her work alongside an original Avenger, she might even be the leader if that day does come. There's also Cassie Lang getting an expanded role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, as well as the upcoming debuts of Ms. Marvel, Miss America, and Ironheart.

A Kate Bishop & Yelena Belova Friendship

Yelena and Kate in the elevator in Hawkeye

The MCU's Phase Four has introduced a handful of really interesting characters but many fans would say the two best are Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop. The two came face to face at the end of the fourth episode and their friendship was immediately foreshadowed. Clint talked about the "shot he never took" with Natasha, which led to their significant bond.

Kate had a chance to shoot Yelena but chose not to, mirroring that moment with the new Hawkeye and Black Widow. Their scenes together in the next two episodes were among the best parts as the chemistry and banter between the actors was sparkling. Fans want more of Yelena and Kate as soon as possible.

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