Marvel Studios almost broke the internet with its Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement. However, an original Avenger was missing from the epic line-up.

Fans are still waiting to see if Jeremy Renner will reprise his role as Hawkeye. Speaking to ComicBook, the actor shared his thoughts on his character’s place in the current MCU. “I think he started retired, but he’s always pulled out of retirement, you know,” the actor explained. “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.”

Renner also touched on the inevitable fate of the MCU’s heroes. “I think, in a way, Tony Stark was always fated to die,” the actor said. “And here’s the thing about our culture that’s interesting. A lot of people get upset about that, when I say something like that. But 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.”

Hawkeye dives off the side of a building while shooting his arrow
Hawkeye dives off the side of a building while shooting his arrow Image Via Marvel Studios

“And that’s what we’re trying to teach people in the movie is that you’re either in it for yourself, or you’re in it for the community,” Renner continued. “And Tony was in it for the community.” Clint Barton has never been the loudest Avenger. He doesn’t wield a magic hammer, turn into a rage-monster, or fly in an armored suit.

Yet, through every phase of the MCU, Hawkeye has remained one of its most indispensable heroes. Introduced in Thor, Hawkeye first appeared as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent perched above a desert compound with a bow drawn. By the time The Avengers assembled Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Barton had become an integral part of the team as an expert marksman.

The Marksman Without Powers

Unlike his teammates, Barton’s skills aren’t the result of scientific experiments or divine gifts. His ability lies in precision, discipline, and an unflinching moral center. But the MCU has never shied away from showing Hawkeye’s flaws. Consumed by grief after losing his family in the Avengers: Endgame Blip, Barton becomes a vengeful vigilante, punishing criminals who survived when his loved ones did not.

What distinguishes Hawkeye most is his life beyond the battlefield. The MCU introduced Barton’s family in Avengers: Age of Ultron, which gave fans a glimpse into where his real loyalties lie. The Disney+ series Hawkeye built on that premise, exploring his struggle to reconcile his past as Ronin with his responsibilities as a father and mentor.

In July, Renner addressed a potential return to the series. “I’m happy to do season two of Hawkeye,” he said. “I love that character. I think there’s so much for us to do. We waded through many discussions about the shape of that season. It’s getting my body right and getting everything right for that. The timing of that will come, and if there’s still a need, want, and desire for it, then yeah.”

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters worldwide on Dec. 18, 2026.

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Release Date

December 18, 2026

Director

Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Writers

Stephen McFeely, Michael Waldron, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee

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    Vanessa Kirby

    Sue Storm / Invisible Woman

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    Joseph Quinn

    Johnny Storm / Human Torch

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    Ebon Moss-Bachrach

    Ben Grimm / The Thing