Avengers Infinity War: Does THIS explain Hawkeye’s absence? Set for HUGE shock?

The character, played by Jeremy Renner, is nowhere to be seen in the run-up to the new film’s release – he’s not in posters, trailers, TV spots, or in the 30 minutes of footage screened in London last night.

So where is he? And where, too, is Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man?

Writing on Reddit, user magidmarvel has suggested the characters will have an integral part to play – and it’ll come at a shock moment.

“I believe the movie will end with the Snap, that leads to half the universe disappearing,” they wrote.

“The Russos [directors] have stated that everything [Clint] Barton does is a huge spoiler, but I think he only appears for one significant scene.

“Thanos will Snap his fingers. We then see Hawkeye with his family. He turns, but when he looks back they’re gone.

“Likewise, with Ant-Man, his daughter Cassie disappears. This leads them to reunite with the Avengers in Avengers 4, where Hawkeye goes Ronin.”

The theory seems to have gone down well, with one person responding: “Hmmm. I think I can get behind this. The MCU does have a history with establishing family/romantic connections only for them to bite the dust.

“Steve and Peggy. Tony, and then Pepper having a close call. Thor and Jane, even though she just left. Peter and Yondu.

“Everyone has been wondering why they randomly decided to add Clint’s family, I could see this being the reason.”

Some Marvel favourites are thought to be getting killed off in Infinity War and its as-yet-untitled sequel Avengers 4, which is due next year.

Avengers: Infinity War is out on April 26 in the UK.