Hawkeye’s last episode may have introduced Yelena Belova, whose appearance was well-known prior to the show entering the MCU, but its most-awaited cameo is an old familiar face that directing duo Bert & Bertie have assured they haven’t forgotten about. That would be none other than the long-rumored return of Kingpin, played by the same actor who portrayed the character in Netflix's Daredevil series.

The series’ third episode, “Echoes,” featured an enticing flashback scene for Maya Lopez, whose comic book origins are undeniably tied to Wilson Fisk, aka The Kingpin, even teasing the sleeve of Vincent D'Onofrio's signature black suits from Daredevil. Despite that, and the actor’s social media activity being suspiciously interested in Hawkeye, it’s still a mystery whether Marvel Studios managed to bring back Kingpin as a Christmas present or if he’s being saved for future projects.

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However, the two directors have appeased Hawkeye viewers by reminding ComicBook that Marvel Studios may love teasing viewers with lengthy buildups “But they never leave you hanging… for too long”. This was of course in reference to episode three, the first directed by the pair, with them repeating directing duties for number five before Rhys Thomas comes back for the finale.

Vincent D’Onofrio Kingpin white suit Hawkeye

Bert & Bertie is the artistic name for Amber Templemore-Finlayson and Katie Ellwood, whose film and television work differs quite a lot from their two Hawkeye episodes which have been the most action-packed ones for the show so far. Considering the blueprint set by previous Disney Plus series, there should be one big battle and a few revelations left in Hawkeye.

Considering Kevin Feige’s recent confirmation of Charlie Cox as the MCU’s only Daredevil, whenever Marvel Studios decides to the character again, it would also make perfect sense if D’Onofrio joins him as the two were always praised for their performances in Daredevil. Nevertheless, whether the MCU would spend its first Daredevil bullet on Hawkeye instead of the future Echo spinoff remains to be seen.

With the two directors teasing Echo’s uncle so much, maybe their parting episode could be the one to unveil Kingpin, though with Yelena Belova already thrown into the mix, perhaps it’d be more Marvel to leave him as part of the show’s post-credits material. However the show decides to make the reveal, it's likely to have huge implications for the show going forward, and with Spider-Man: No Way Home fast approaching and teasing a potential Matt Murdock cameo, the MCU is only continuing to grow in its fourth phase.

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