In so many ways, it’s really difficult to picture anyone else playing Clint, the arrow-shooting member of the Avengers, now that audiences have seen Jeremy Renner’s fabulous performance of this nuanced and versatile character. He has become so iconic, and still potentially has some exciting scenes ahead with this challenging and rewarding role.

But the recent appearance of Jensen Ackles as the character Soldier Boy in The Boys, has reminded fans that Ackles was once in the running to play Hawkeye, and has made fans everywhere question whether or not he would have done such a stellar job with the character as Renner has. Ackles is a very accomplished and well-loved actor, and has really struck a chord with fans worldwide. But is that enough to make him a hero, to make him an Avenger?

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It’s obvious that Jensen Ackles can play the American hero, with all of the trials and tribulations associated with that. Being a member of the Avengers, Hawkeye is a pretty important character, and a member of society who is loved by millions within the MCU. However, the glory also comes along with its challenges, as was portrayed within Civil War, and different factions of support can form, and opinions may divided in a way that has drastic and disastrous consequences for all involved.

The Boys Season 3 Episode 8 Review Soldier Boy

This is also a theme that has been explored within The Boys, both with the rivalry between Homelander’s and Starlight’s fan bases, but also within Soldier Boy himself, within his memory as an iconic American hero, and how that translates into his new identity in a modern world that has moved, in some respects, away from the out-dated, misogynistic, often racist pride and patriotism expressed in his glory days. Both Soldier Boy and Hawkeye have to navigate complex scenarios and narratives, both within their group dynamic with the heroes surrounding them, and also within the public perception, which is a good indication that Jensen Ackles would have been more than up to the role.

It would have also given the actor a unique opportunity to play a more versatile kind of role than the ones he has previously been associated with. The actor himself has expressed some opinions on type-casting, and a desire to ‘move away from the macho’, overly masculine roles that he has demonstrated, the sorts of characters who feed into the perception of toxicity and misogyny. Now there have definitely been elements of more sensitive and well-rounded characters in previous roles, for example, many Supernatural fans would argue that Dean Winchester is a very loving and caring person, very loyal, very moral, and often very emotive. Especially where his family is concerned. Dean’s relationships are at the heart of the character, predominantly his relationship with his younger brother Sammy, and with his mother Mary.

There are many scenes throughout the 15 seasons where Dean is seen crying, struggling, hugging and bonding with others, experiencing loss, grief, and all of the emotions that typically go against the ‘macho’ male represented on TV. However, Dean also shows elements of deep aggression and anger, suppressing his feelings, refusing to ask for help, and feeling like he is responsible to fix all of the problems in the world, rather than trusting and relying on friends to help him.

Dean Winchester ( Jensen Ackles) being emotional

Soldier Boy is the extreme representation of this, and has very firm opinions of what it means to be a man, what it means to be American, and he has very limited acceptance or even tolerance of anything that falls outside of his limited worldview. With one exception: his surprising paternal instincts. A key theme throughout the series is his wish to have had sons of his own, to have been able to raise them and to watch them grow. Albeit, this still comes from a very toxic place, and would not be a very holistic approach to parenting, but it is one of very few more sensitive sides to Soldier Boy.

Jensen Ackles's ability to play the beats of the versatile and more emotive aspects of these roles shows that he would have been great at managing Hawkeye’s much more kind-hearted, open-minded, and most importantly, family-oriented personality. The recent Disney+ series focuses on Hawkeye’s mission to get home in time to be with his family for Christmas, which is often side-tracked or waylaid by his desire to protect and look after Kate, a young girl who has emulated his skills and abilities since she saw him defeating the aliens in the first Avengers film in New York City. Love and family are clearly very important to Hawkeye, a trait he shares with Dean Winchester, but in a much more emotionally open and vulnerable way, which is a skill set that Jensen Ackles already demonstrates but would really thrive in, if given the chance to develop.

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