Essential Return of One Original Avenger in 2025 to Avoid Unresolved Marvel Plotline

As we look ahead to Marvel’s 2025 cinematic lineup, a notable absence looms: no original Avenger is confirmed to make an appearance. This raises significant narrative concerns, particularly given that over a decade has passed since the release of The Avengers. Within the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline, only a handful of the original team remain active. Iron Man and Black Widow made the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, while Captain America has embraced retirement alongside Peggy Carter. Currently, Thor, Bruce Banner, and Hawkeye stand as the sole surviving members of the original team, yet their future appearances remain uncertain.

The MCU has slated three movies—Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps—alongside three Disney+ series: Daredevil: Born Again, Ironheart, and Wonder Man. Despite the anticipation surrounding these projects, it appears Thor, the Hulk, and Hawkeye are not expected to feature prominently. Particularly, Hawkeye’s connections to both Thunderbolts* and Daredevil suggest that his return in 2025 is essential to resolve ongoing narrative threads.

Current Avenger Appearances in 2025

Marvel’s 2025 Lineup Features Mainly New Faces

Six original Avengers in 2012's The Avengers

Unfortunately, the current MCU slate for 2025 does not guarantee any appearances from the original Avengers. Speculation surrounds Robert Downey Jr.’s potential involvement in The Fantastic Four, but if he does appear, it is rumored he will take on the role of Doctor Doom rather than reprise his iconic character, Tony Stark. Despite several characters from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk returning in Brave New World, Bruce Banner is expected to be absent. Moreover, Thor’s lack of connections to these upcoming storylines further relegates him to the sidelines.

Although many fans hope to see Steve Rogers return, his age as an elderly man in the MCU suggests he will not be drawn back into the fray, particularly with Sam Wilson now embodying Captain America. Black Widow and Tony Stark’s deaths have significantly impacted the narrative, though Stark’s influence is evident through Riri Williams in Ironheart, as she strives to enhance her version of his iconic suit. Meanwhile, Clint Barton appears to be in retirement but could potentially return for crucial narrative developments, particularly related to his connections with other characters.

Key Links to Hawkeye in Upcoming Shows

Hawkeye has Unfinished Storylines in 2025 Marvel Series

Hawkeye’s narrative threads are intricately woven into both Thunderbolts* and Daredevil: Born Again. In a pivotal post-credits scene from Black Widow, we see Valentina Allegra de Fontaine targeting Yelena Belova. She identifies Hawkeye as the person responsible for Natasha’s demise. This connection is further expanded in the Hawkeye series, where Eleanor Bishop hires Yelena to eliminate Clint, while also having links to Kingpin, who wishes for Clint’s demise as retribution for past events.

Valentina’s motives remain shrouded in uncertainty, but it’s clear that her ambitions will be under threat from Hawkeye. As she assumes a significant role in the MCU as the CIA director in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she may require the Thunderbolts’ assistance for her clandestine dealings. This precarious situation could lead to major conflicts, especially since Hawkeye could pose formidable challenges for her schemes.

Plot Issues from Hawkeye’s Absence in Thunderbolts

Hawkeye’s Absence Creates Narrative Dilemmas

In taking up the role of the CIA director, Valentina has acquired notable power, even purchasing the Avengers Tower—her reasoning for this action, however, remains ambiguous. Given their tumultuous history, it is improbable that Clint would accept this situation passively, particularly with Valentina’s past attempts to assassinate him. Despite his retirement status, Clint’s personal quest to unveil her true intentions fits seamlessly into the evolving 2025 narrative landscape.

Yelena Belova’s wariness of Valentina adds another layer to the plot. Though she associates with the Thunderbolts*, her past exploitation may push her to seek Hawkeye’s assistance, especially with lingering ties to Kingpin. This potential alliance could serve as a critical plot point, intertwining various storylines and ultimately addressing the unresolved issues from the Hawkeye series within a single, transformative Marvel project in 2025.

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