Kate Bishop’s Western Adventure: A Tribute to Another Hailee Steinfeld Film

The Marvel Cinematic Universe Goes Wild West with Kate Bishop and Shang-Chi

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to explore diverse narratives, and one of the standout moments comes with the episode titled What If…1872?. This intriguing foray into the Wild West not only brings familiar faces like Shang-Chi, portrayed by Simu Liu, but also positions Kate Bishop in an unexpected yet captivating genre.

A Nostalgic Team-Up in a Western Setting

In this exciting Season 3 episode, we witness a unique partnership as Kate Bishop teams up with Shang-Chi in a bid to locate the notorious Red Hood. What makes this storyline particularly delightful for fans of Hailee Steinfeld is its nod to her acting roots; she made her theatrical debut in the Coen Brothers’ adaptation of True Grit back in 2010, where she earned widespread acclaim at just 13 years old.

Kate Bishop: The Cowboy We Didn’t Know We Needed

In What If…1872?, Kate embodies a spirited cowgirl persona while joining forces with Shang-Chi. Their adventure leads them through encounters with outlaws, a tense situation involving a train, and a young boy they must protect. This episode beautifully fuses the thrilling elements of Westerns with the exuberance of the MCU, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s hard to imagine anyone better suited for this role than Kate Bishop—as a skilled archer, she’s perfectly cast in this old Western setting. Interestingly, one can’t help but think how well Clint Barton would have fit into this narrative as well!

Bringing Back Memorable Themes

For many viewers, including myself, seeing Kate as a cowgirl reignites fond memories of True Grit. The film featured a young Steinfeld capturing audience hearts as she navigated life alongside Jeff Bridges, showcasing her talent in a complex partnership. Today, it’s delightful to recognize the connections between these two stories, especially considering that Josh Brolin also appeared in True Grit. Both this episode of What If…? and the film highlight Steinfeld’s prowess in the Western genre.

Steinfeld’s Natural Fit in Westerns

Adapting to the Western genre is no small feat, especially in a time when traditional Westerns have become scarce. While contemporary shows like Yellowstone and films such as Hell or High Water have brought a modern twist to the genre, the classic Western remains somewhat elusive. Steinfeld, however, seems to effortlessly embody the quintessential spirit of a Western, making her portrayal of Kate Bishop a real pleasure to watch.

The Future of Westerns with Hailee Steinfeld

As we delve deeper into the What If…? series, the potential for live-action interpretations of these narratives becomes palpable. A collaboration between Kate and Shang-Chi in a true Wild West film would undoubtedly be a remarkable experience. Nonetheless, we are grateful for the opportunity to see them in this imaginative setting. If there’s a push to revitalize the Western genre, who better to lead the way than Hailee Steinfeld? My hope is to see her return in a role reminiscent of her True Grit days, perhaps even alongside Bridges once again. Until then, we can all appreciate this remarkable episode of What If…? along with its roots in Steinfeld’s previous work.

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