•Actor Jeremy Renner has sparked speculation about a new Marvel Cinematic Universe project with a post suggesting he is reading material in preparation for work on the franchise. The apparent study points toward an adaptation of the classic West Coast Avengers comics, though whether it would be a series or film remains unclear.
According to a report by Jesse Schedeen for IGN, Renner’s recent activity has led observers to wonder which direction Marvel is taking with the character. The publication argues that a West Coast Avengers project would be an excellent idea at this point in the MCU’s timeline.
The West Coast Avengers debuted in 1984’s The West Coast Avengers #1, created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall. The original lineup featured Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Iron Man (James Rhodes rather than Tony Stark), Tigra, and Wonder Man.
While the initial series ran just four issues, it was soon followed by an ongoing title that lasted a decade and introduced characters including Moon Knight, Tigra, U.S. Agent, Vision, and Scarlet Witch. The franchise has been revived multiple times since, including during the aftermath of 2006’s Civil War, when Iron Man launched the 50-State Initiative.
The comics are credited with elevating Hawkeye to team leader status and exploring the romance between Vision and Scarlet Witch, along with the creation and destruction of their magically generated children. IGN notes that these storylines laid groundwork for WandaVision and Paul Bettany’s White Vision.
Regarding why Renner might be studying the material, the report suggests Marvel could be prioritizing a West Coast Avengers project in an upcoming phase. As in the comics, Hawkeye appears positioned to spearhead the team.
The writer contends that now may be an opportune moment, noting the MCU currently features two Avengers teams operating from New York while the western United States remains underprotected. A West Coast Avengers series could also reunite Disney+ characters currently in limbo, potentially bringing back both Renner’s Clint Barton and Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop, who both headlined the 2018 West Coast Avengers comic.
Other potential members mentioned include Tatiana Maslany’s She-Hulk, Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Wonder Man. IGN observes that it remains disappointing that Marvel canceled Wonder Man Season 2 despite strong critical reception to its first season.
The report also raises the possibility of including Vision and Scarlet Witch, along with their now-adult children, should those characters survive the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. IGN suggests a series format would better suit the number of characters involved than a film.
he’s doing some reading in preparation for a new MCU project
Marvel opted to cancel Wonder Man Season 2
strong critical reception to Season 1
their now-adult children
more than just Zodiac to look forward to
every Marvel movie and series in development
following @jschedeen on BlueSky
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