Takeaways:
- Jeremy Renner declined a reduced offer to return for Hawkeye Season 2, calling it an “insult.”
- He cited the toll on his health post-accident and stood firm on fair compensation.
- Despite the rejection, Renner remains passionate about the character and open to future opportunities.
Renner Speaks Out: Why He Declined Hawkeye Season 2
Actor Jeremy Renner, best known to Marvel fans as Clint Barton a.k.a. Hawkeye, has made headlines by revealing why he turned down an offer to return for a second season of the Disney+ series. After a devastating snowplow accident in 2023 left him with 38 broken bones and a long road to recovery, Renner says the studio offered him half his original salary—a proposal he found deeply disrespectful.
“Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?” Renner asked during a recent appearance on the High Performance podcast.
The Fallout of a Life-Altering Accident
In January 2023, Renner was involved in a horrific snowplow accident that nearly cost him his life. The actor underwent multiple surgeries and endured months of intense rehabilitation. While he’s regained much of his mobility, lingering issues—like chronic back pain and difficulty chewing due to jaw trauma—remain.
Still, Renner maintains a positive perspective. In an interview with People, he shared:
“My swollen ankles, my back that keeps going out, or my jaw that just can’t seem to bite down right… it’s a great reminder of the attitude that got me here. It’s awesome. This is why I can’t have a bad day.”
A Question of Value—and Respect
Renner didn’t mince words when discussing the offer. He clarified that the proposal came not directly from Marvel Studios, but from Disney’s accounting division:
“This is not Marvel. My juice is with Disney—but really, it’s just the penny pinchers, the accountants,” he explained.
Despite his enthusiasm for the character and the fans, Renner said the offer showed a lack of appreciation for both his work and the ordeal he’s endured. He wasn’t asking for more—only for what he had been paid previously.
“I told them to go fly a kite,” he said bluntly. “I’m happy to let that go. My body’s probably thanking me that I’m not doing that right now.”
What This Means for Hawkeye and the MCU
Jeremy Renner’s portrayal of Hawkeye has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with his Disney+ solo series receiving strong praise. His decision to step back leaves the future of the series uncertain.
Still, he hasn’t closed the door entirely.
“I still love the character. I would still love to do it,” he emphasized. “But I had to defend myself.”
Fans and industry insiders alike have applauded his candor and courage in standing up for fair treatment, particularly in an era where conversations about actor compensation and wellness are gaining traction.
Industry Takeaway: Standing Strong After Setbacks
Jeremy Renner’s story is more than a behind-the-scenes Marvel drama—it’s a powerful reminder to entertainment professionals of the importance of knowing your worth, advocating for yourself, and prioritizing health and self-respect.
Whether you’re a working actor, a rising star, or a behind-the-scenes creative, Renner’s journey underscores the strength required to navigate Hollywood—especially after personal adversity.
