Warning! This article contains spoilers for Hawkeye episode 3.

Hawkeye executive producer Trinh Tran addresses how theories and leaks affect Marvel Studios’ latest Disney+ series. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Christmas romp brings back Jeremy Renner’s eponymous Avenger alongside impromptu protégée Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Inspired by Matt Fraction and David Aja’s comic, My Life As A Weapon, the six-episode series sees Kate don the Ronin costume, provoking the Tracksuit Mafia and Echo (Alaqua Cox), who have a score to settle with Clint’s less-than-flattering alter ego. Hawkeye also stars Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, and Brian d'Arcy James.

As is the case with everything Marvel, Hawkeye has been subjected to a plethora of rumors and leaks long before it ever premiered on Disney+. Despite Steinfeld as Kate being fan-favorite casting choice, her involvement in the series was confirmed through leaked set photos and videos. Steinfeld’s casting wasn't officially announced until a promotional video months later. The series will also see the return of Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, who was put on a collision course with Renner’s archer via Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) in Black Widow’s post-credits scene. Suffice to say, word got out that Pugh would appear in the series before Black Widow became available to audiences. With Hawkeye officially at the halfway point, Yelena has yet to be seen and another mysterious character looms large.

Related: Marvel Finally Gave Black Widow's Endgame Death Real Meaning

During a recent interview with D23 Magazine (via The Direct), Hawkeye producer Tran discussed the effect of leaks and fan theories on the show. Tran said that sometimes fans are “spot on,” while other times she "wonders" where in the world theories come from. Read what she had to say below:

"I try not to read too much into it, but it is fun at times seeing how fans are coming up with what they think is happening based on what they can piece together ... Sometimes, they are spot on, while other times, I wonder how on Earth some of these conclusions came about."

Hawkeye-Kingpin-Echo-Uncle

Tran’s comments are indicative of a healthy perspective on the matter and a general awareness of the fandom’s obsession with superhero projects. The internet is consistently flooded with rumors and leaks regarding story beats and character appearances, which are then discussed ad nauseam on virtually every social media platform and entertainment website. Marvel Studios’ propensity to heavily guard their secrets exacerbates the temptation to keep speculation alive, which ultimately builds anticipation even more for those craving vindication when their theories are confirmed.

Perhaps the biggest rumor surrounding Hawkeye concerns Daredevil's Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), who many expect to appear in the MCU. Especially after D’Onofrio repeated teases on social media. In the opening of Hawkeye episode 3, “Echoes,” Maya/Echo’s backstory was explored. In a small moment, her “uncle” pinches her cheek after a karate match. Many felt they recognized this mysterious character (at least, part of his suit and a very large hand), accompanied by a familiar-sounding laugh, as Fisk. If Kingpin really is Hawkeye’s big bad, that reveal is up there with Spider-Man: No Way Home’s cast as one of the MCU’s best (or worst) kept secrets.

More: Who Is Echo's Uncle? Yes, It's Who You Think It Is!

Source: D23 Magazine (via The Direct)

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