Rumours about Marvel Studios' plans for Hawkeye Season 2 have swirled for a while. Jeremy Renner has confirmed reports that future episodes would be inspired by The Raid, and we've heard that Clint Barton and Kate Bishop will battle Barney Barton/ Trickshot.
Well, if a second season ever happens, of course.
Much to the surprise of fans, Renner revealed that he turned down Season 2 after Marvel Studios offered him half of what he'd earned for Season 1 (for what would be a lengthy 9-month shoot). Marvel Studios is also expected to put less of a focus on big screen characters on streaming, creating a clearer line between what people can see in theaters and at home.
Does that mean Renner's time in the MCU is over? He isn't among those confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, though Hailee Steinfeld is expected to reprise her role by assembling alongside the Young Avengers.
Talking to Cinema Blend, the actor hinted that he's at least visited the Avengers: Doomsday set. Whether he was there to shoot anything is another matter!
"Yeah, well, [they] are very, very dear friends of mine. I got to catch up with them, actually, when I was on the book tour when they were filming in London," Renner confirmed. "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. Whether we're filming or not, we're always connected."
In a separate conversation with Screen Rant, the Mayor of Kingstown star reiterated that he remains open to starring in Hawkeye Season 2. He also appeared to confirm that it would once again have a Christmas setting.
"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." However, he stressed that, "it’s really not my decision to make."
So, we may be one step closer to Hawkeye season 2 becoming a reality...if the two sides can find a middle ground with money and time. Hawkeye season 1 served as a passing of the mantle to Hailee Steinfeld's Kate, so she could likely hold her own without him having a lead role.
It will be strange to watch Avengers: Doomsday without Hawkeye being there. Still, it wouldn't be the first time he was sidelined, as Clint was absent from Avengers: Infinity War before taking on a lead role in Avengers: Endgame.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to be released on December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled to arrive on December 17, 2027.