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Marvel’s Hawkeye is three episodes in, and the Disney+ show has already introduced a number of compelling characters, many of whom promise to become greater parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Among them is Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), or Echo, who currently serves as an antagonist to Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Flashbacks to her childhood in Hawkeye Episode 3 reveal she has good reason to be angry with whoever wore the Ronin suit in Avengers: Endgame. But who plays young Maya Lopez?

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for Hawkeye Episode 3.]

‘Hawkeye’ Episode 3 delves into Echo’s past

Hawkeye Episode 3 dropped on Dec. 1, kicking off the month by venturing into Maya Lopez’s past. The tail end of the show’s second episode introduced the character, but the third installment explained why she’s after Clint and Kate. Although “Echoes” primarily takes place in the present — with the characters butting heads in some impressive action sequences — it takes the time to explore Maya’s motives as well.

Specifically, it brings fans back to Maya’s childhood, highlighting her close relationship with her father. William Lopez (Zahn McClarnon) was obviously wrapped up in some questionable endeavors. However, it’s clear the two deeply cared about one another. That makes the realization that he was killed, seemingly by Ronin, that much more difficult.

Since Clint’s stint as Ronin is closer to the show’s timeframe, Alaqua Cox gives the harrowing performance of Maya discovering her dying father. However, the scenes of her childhood make the impact that much more emotional. So, who actually plays young Maya Lopez?

Darnell Besaw plays young Maya Lopez in the Disney+ show

'Hawkeye' stars Zahn McClarnon and Darnell Besaw as William Lopez and Young Maya Lopez in episode 3 of the Disney+ show.
Zahn McClarnon and Darnell Besaw in ‘Hawkeye’ | Marvel Studios/Chuck Zlotnick

Darnell Besaw gets all the credit for bringing young Maya Lopez to life. According to IMDb, Hawkeye Episode 3 marks Besaw’s first on-screen performance. And she does a splendid job of capturing the challenges of Echo’s upbringing while also highlighting her relationship with her father.

Even with her brief screen time in the episode, Besaw makes her appearance count. But can fans expect to see the young actor again before the series concludes?

Will fans see Darnell Besaw beyond ‘Hawkeye’ Episode 3?

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Although the Disney+ show could certainly dive back into Maya Lopez’s past, it’s unclear if fans will see Besaw again after Hawkeye Episode 3. IMDb only lists Besaw for one episode of the show — though that can certainly be updated as more episodes drop.

After all, Hawkeye leaves one major thread open when it comes to Echo’s younger years: who is Uncle? The series goes out of its way to introduce a faceless man whose influence clearly guides Maya and the Tracksuit Mafia. Many Marvel fans believe this could be Kingpin.

Of course, the series could simply introduce Uncle in the present timeline, eliminating the need for any further flashbacks. Hawkeye fans will have to wait to see how the Disney+ show handles this mysterious character and his introduction.

Hawkeye is currently streaming on Disney+.

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