Is Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye Shooting for a Season 2 or Back for Doomsday?

Marvel fans, it's been a rollercoaster with Jeremy Renner and his iconic archer, Hawkeye! Recent interviews give us a mixed bag of clues about Clint Barton's future, from a potential second season on Disney+ to his involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

TL;DR: The Short & Sweet Arrow Shots

• Jeremy Renner is in negotiations for a potential Hawkeye Season 2, teasing a festive, New York-based story possibly featuring his brother, Trickshot.
• He initially turned down a Season 2 offer due to a significant pay cut from Marvel, but now seems more optimistic about talks.
• Renner has given conflicting statements about his return for Avengers: Doomsday, with one interview saying he's "busy" and another confirming a set visit.

Unraveling the Mystery of Hawkeye's Marvel Cinematic Universe Future

Clint Barton, our favorite "superpowerless superhero," has always been the grounding force among the Avengers' gods and super-soldiers. Played by Jeremy Renner since his debut in 2012's The Avengers, Hawkeye has consistently been a fan favorite, especially after his standalone Disney+ series in 2021. But since then, things have been quiet on the Hawkeye front, both in and out of the MCU.

Renner's real-life journey took a dramatic turn in early 2023 with a near-fatal snowplow accident, leading to a long and arduous recovery. Naturally, this put a pause on any immediate acting plans. Now, with Renner back on his feet and promoting other projects like Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 (returning October 26), the questions about his MCU return are flying faster than one of Clint's arrows. And guess what? We've got some juicy, albeit sometimes conflicting, updates directly from the man himself!

The Unexpected Roadblocks to Hawkeye Season 2's Return

Before his accident, a second season of Hawkeye seemed like a natural next step, especially given the warm reception for the first season's Christmas-themed, street-level adventure and the fantastic dynamic between Clint and his protégé, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Director Rhys Thomas even expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I sincerely look forward to where that character goes next. And yes, I loved walking on the streets of the MCU and would gladly enjoy doing it again."

However, the path to Season 2 hit a couple of major bumps. Last May, Renner revealed a significant pay dispute, stating that Marvel had offered him "half of his salary" from the first installment. He frankly described it as a "low blow" at the time, especially coming after his severe accident. This undoubtedly complicated negotiations and put the project's future in doubt.

Adding to the uncertainty, Marvel's approach to its Disney+ series has been evolving. There's been a reported shift towards making Marvel Television "more Netflixy," meaning a move away from the initial "limited series" model and potentially scaling back the involvement of big-screen heroes in streaming projects. This shift created a cloud of doubt over whether Clint Barton would pick up his bow again on the small screen.

Jeremy Renner Hints at a Festive, Family-Focused Hawkeye Season 2

Despite the past hurdles and the pay dispute, Renner recently offered a glimmer of hope for a second season. Speaking with ScreenRant and later The Playlist, he shared his belief that renewed conversations with Marvel could lead to Hawkeye Season 2 after all. "We got to where we're trying to do the second season," Renner revealed to The Playlist's Bingeworthy podcast. "And I think I'll get strong enough to be able to do it. And we'll work it out. It's gonna be great."

He even teased what fans could expect, suggesting that the beloved Christmas-themed setting in New York would likely return. "For a second season, that was always the idea to continue that narrative, even in the Christmas framework of it all, too, because they love that world in New York. There's really no more beautiful place than New York until Christmas. After Christmas is kind of bleak."

"I really enjoyed doing the series version because it was a bit more intimate and had the family dynamic, which is always a huge part of him. I think Clint’s superpower is the human side — he’s a superpowerless superhero. He’s one of the few, but I think his superpower is that sort of grit of the human condition and his loyalty and family."

— Jeremy Renner on Hawkeye's appeal (The Playlist)

Renner deeply appreciates the character's "human side," emphasizing Clint's loyalty and family values as his true superpowers. This focus on grounded storytelling is what made the first season resonate with so many. Rumors have also swirled about the potential plot for Season 2, with reports suggesting it could pit Clint and Kate against his brother, Barney Barton, also known as Trickshot. Insiders even claimed Marvel was eyeing an A-list actor for the Trickshot role, hinting at big plans. If it moves forward, expect a fall or winter premiere, likely pushing a release to 2027 or 2028.

Conflicting Reports on Hawkeye's Involvement in Avengers: Doomsday

Now, here's where things get a bit murky. While Hawkeye Season 2 seems to be gaining momentum, Renner's status for the mega-event films, Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 17, 2027), is less clear.

In a direct interview with The Breakfast Club Morning Show on October 24, 2025, Renner gave a pretty straightforward answer about his return for Doomsday or Secret Wars: "No. No," citing that he's "pretty busy himself" with other projects. This certainly sounded like a definitive "not happening."

However, another report from around the same time offered a different perspective. It mentioned that Renner "recently shared that he visited the set of Avengers: Doomsday" while promoting his book. While he didn't confirm filming anything, he noted, "I got to break bread with all of the boys on that show. It was good to see everybody and we have a forever bond." The article then concludes with "Whether that means Hawkeye will make an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday remains to be seen" and "It’s safe to say that Jeremy Renner is not done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe just yet."

So, what gives? The explicit "no" from The Breakfast Club interview appears to be the most direct statement regarding his participation as an actor in the upcoming Avengers films. The set visit, while heartwarming and showing his enduring bond with the cast, doesn't necessarily mean he's in the movie. It could simply be a friendly check-in. The "not done yet" comment might refer more to his openness for Hawkeye Season 2 or other future, perhaps smaller-scale, MCU projects rather than the massive Avengers crossovers.

A Look at the Star-Studded Cast for Avengers: Doomsday

Even without Hawkeye, Avengers: Doomsday is stacking up to be an epic ensemble. Directed by Avengers: Endgame's Joe and Anthony Russo, and with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely, the film already boasts an incredible lineup. We're seeing familiar faces and exciting new additions:

• Original Avengers & Familiar Faces: Robert Downey Jr. (returning in a new role as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Danny Ramirez.
• Newcomers: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Lewis Pullman, Simu Liu.
• X-Men Crossover: Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops), Channing Tatum (Gambit).

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has even hinted that more casting announcements are on the way, with rumors suggesting appearances by Doctor Strange, Deadpool, Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers, and Spider-Man. The roster is absolutely packed, making Hawkeye's potential absence even more noticeable, but understandable given the sheer number of characters.

The Hawkeye Legacy: Retirement and the Hero's Sacrifice

Renner's comments about Clint Barton's nature perfectly encapsulate his MCU journey. He told ComicBook.com, "I think he started retired… but he’s always pulled out of retirement, you know. I think he’s a family man; you always know where his allegiance lies, and he’s always come out of retirement, man. Until he’s killed, he’s always gonna be working."

This sentiment echoes what Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo once shared about the grim reality of being a hero: "When you’re a hero, your job is to die. That is your job as a hero, is to sacrifice yourself for the greater good." This philosophy raises the stakes for any future Hawkeye appearance. While Clint has always been drawn back into the fight, his longevity in a universe where heroes sacrifice themselves makes his journey even more compelling. If he does return in a future major conflict, it could carry significant emotional weight.

What About Kate Bishop and the Young Avengers?

Even if Clint Barton steps back from the big screen, the Hawkeye legacy is in capable hands. Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop was explicitly set up to carry the torch, and she quickly became a fan favorite in the Hawkeye series. Reports suggest that Kate is "poised to have a bit of a bigger role in the studio’s Post-Multiverse Saga plans."

Specifically, she's "expected to join Champions, a Disney+ series centered on younger heroes, such as Kamala Khan." This could mean Kate Bishop's adventures might primarily unfold within a Young Avengers-style team-up, perhaps with Clint Barton acting as a mentor figure from time to time. The idea of Hawkeye guiding a new generation, just as he did with Kate, makes a lot of sense for the character and the evolving MCU narrative.

Final Thoughts on Hawkeye's Evolving Role in the MCU

Jeremy Renner's journey with Marvel has been long and impactful. His dedication to Clint Barton, especially after his accident, speaks volumes. While his definitive "no" for Doomsday and Secret Wars might disappoint some, the renewed hope for Hawkeye Season 2 is exciting news for fans who love the more intimate, character-driven stories that the series format allows. It shows that even if our favorite heroes aren't always front and center in every major cinematic event, their stories can continue to evolve and resonate in other meaningful ways.

Whether it's a festive return to New York in Season 2, a mentor role with the Young Avengers, or a surprise appearance when the MCU truly needs its greatest archer, one thing is clear: Jeremy Renner is open to playing Hawkeye, and fans are definitely still wanting more. The arrow isn't done flying just yet!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawkeye's Future When is Hawkeye Season 2 expected to be released? There is no official release date for Hawkeye Season 2. Jeremy Renner has indicated that negotiations are ongoing, and if it moves forward, a potential release could be in 2027 or 2028, likely with a Christmas theme. Will Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye be in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars? Jeremy Renner explicitly stated in an interview with The Breakfast Club that he will not be reprising Clint Barton/Hawkeye in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, citing a busy schedule. While he did visit the Doomsday set, this was likely a friendly visit rather than a filming commitment. What happened with Jeremy Renner's pay for Hawkeye Season 2? Renner revealed that Marvel initially offered him half of his original salary for a potential Hawkeye Season 2, which he turned down. However, recent comments suggest negotiations have reopened, and he's optimistic about finding a resolution. Who are the directors and writers for Hawkeye Season 1? The first season of Hawkeye was led by head writer Jonathan Igla, with Amber Finlayson & Katie Ellwood (Bert and Bertie) and Rhys Thomas serving as directors. Sources

• ScreenRant (Hawkeye S2 update)
• ComicBook.com (Hawkeye retirement)
• The Playlist (Hawkeye S2 hope, Doomsday set visit)
• SuperHeroHype (Original Avengers Star Not Returning)
• We Got This Covered (Renner's shocking Doomsday answer)
• Inside the Magic (Renner's renewed hope)