Hawkeye: 8 Villains Who Will Or Should Appear In The MCU Series

With the upcoming series Hawkeye focused on Kate Bishop and Clint Barton, the MCU could very well introduce multiple new characters, both heroes and villains. Kate and Clint had faced multiple enemies in the comics and some of them have a strong connection to other, already established MCU characters.

The creators of the show have already confirmed the involvement of several comic book villains who haven't yet appeared in the MCU. Many more could, however, greatly improve their show either because of their relationship with Hawkeye or the fact they have an interesting set of powers.

8 Griffin

One way how to show the MCU is even more complicated than originally thought would be to introduce Griffin in the show. As his nickname suggests, Griffin underwent experiments that made him a part animal. He was originally a gang member but wanted to get even more influence which led to him becoming a supervillain.

Originally named John Horton, Griffin took on the X-Men and then he fought the West Coast Avengers, Hawkeye included. His appearance could also help introduce the Secret Empire storyline.

7 Swordsman

Swordsman is one of the few villains already confirmed for the show. In the Hawkeye comics, Kate Bishop gets her sword from Swordsman when she first becomes a superhero. Swordsman was a Hawkeye's trainer and taught him how to use blades. However, they became enemies when Clint discovered his mentor was a thief and tried to bring him to justice.

Swordsman's presence in the show could emphasize the bond between Kate Bishop and Clint Barton. It could also allow the audience to learn more about Clint's origin story. That's something the MCU has barely addressed, unlike with many other of its superheroes who got their solo movies.

6 Hangman

Now that the movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings proved once again magic does exist in the MCU, it could also appear in Hawkeye. Hangman, also known as Jason Roland, made the unfortunate decision to meddle with dark magic. He made a deal with a demon, and as a result, became the Hangman.

He's not only extremely strong and durable but also has a magical rope which allows him to climb anywhere even if not attached to anything. That would make Hangman a genuine threat since the heroes would have a harder time hiding from him.

5 Circus Of Crime

Solitary villains are common in the MCU but it doesn't have that many villainous organizations, if the fans don't count Hydra or the Ten Rings. Introducing the Circus of Crime could change that. Since multiple groups have used this name in the comics over the years, the show could very well combine them and create its own villainous team.

But one of the more modern versions had the Ringmaster as its leader and he used his powers to make others steal for him. What could make the Circus of Crime's presence in the show even more interesting is its attempt to recruit multiple superheroes. The Circus tried to recruit not only Hawkeye but also Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. That would give Hawkeye the perfect opportunity to bring in Wanda Maximoff at least for a short appearance. After all, Clint and Wanda were good friends in the MCU so it would make sense if she stopped by and visited her friend.

4 Madame Masque

The MCU doesn't have that many iconic female villains but Hawkeye could very well change it. Madame Masque has a strong connection to Kate Bishop since she worked with Kate's mother Eleanor Bishop who will also appear in the show and will be portrayed by Vera Farmiga.

Madame Masque has previously appeared in Agent Carter under the civil name of Whitney Frost. Even though Agent Carter took place many decades before the events of Hawkeye, Madame Masque makes and sells cloned bodies so she could very well come back and be still young. Her presence would then help address the question what happened to Kate's mom and why did she leave her family in the first place.

3 Trick Shot

Other than Swordsman, another former mentor of Clint's who became a villain, is the archer Trick Shot. Buck Chisholm, as he's also known, trained Clint in archery. However, their friendship ended when Clint picked his own brother instead of Buck.

Even more interesting version of this villain was Clint's own brother who died but was later revived by another already established MCU villain, Baron Zemo. Making Trick Shot a Clint's villainous brother or a mentor and a friend would add a personal layer to the relationship. And as many fans know, villains with a personal connection to the hero (such as Thor and Loki) are often the best.

2 The Tracksuit Mafia

The Tracksuit Mafia is one of the villains whose presence in the show has already been confirmed. Even though their names (they're also known as the Tracksuit Draculas) might sound funny, they present a serious threat.

Their biggest advantage is their ruthless nature and the fact that there are simply many of them. Possibly much more than Kate and Clint could manage to take on together. Even though they're not as smart as other villains, their large numbers mean they shouldn't be underestimated.

1 The Clown

Just like his employees, the Tracksuit Mafia, the Clown will also appear on the show. Even though he's a lesser-known villain, it doesn't make him any less dangerous. The Clown was ready to kill Clint in the comics. It's plausible he might attempt to do the same thing in the MCU.

The Clown is not only deadly but also clever and since he managed to discover more about Clint's past life in the comics, his introduction might give the audience the chance to learn details about Clint the MCU haven't revealed just yet. His presence will also add tension to the show since the Clown has no problem with going even after people close to Clint, not just Hawkeye himself.