Avengers: Rumor of Hawkeye's comeback in Doomsday & Secret Wars
Jeremy Renner is also fueling speculation with a post
Will Jeremy Renner return as Hawkeye to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? This is precisely the question on many fans' minds right now. While final reshoots for "Avengers: Doomsday" are apparently underway, new rumors are circulating that the popular archer might appear in upcoming "Avengers" films.
The current speculation was sparked by statements from well-known Marvel insider Daniel Richtman. According to his information, the recent reshoots for "Avengers: Doomsday" are being used, among other things, to incorporate additional cameo appearances into the upcoming Marvel blockbusters. Rumors of a possible return to the big screen have also been fueled by Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner himself on social media. In an Instagram Story, he posted a photo of the Marvel hero's costume – which, of course, has sparked speculation.
According to Richtman, a Clint Barton appearance in "Avengers: Secret Wars" seems even more likely. The film is set to serve as the grand finale of the current Multiverse saga and bring together numerous Marvel characters. Whether Hawkeye will ultimately make his comeback in the MCU remains to be seen. There has been no official word from Marvel on this yet. "Doomsday" hits theaters on December 18. "Secret Wars", on the other hand, is set for December 17, 2027.
Hawkeye in the MCU: All of Jeremy Renner's Appearances as Clint Barton
Jeremy Renner is one of the actors who has shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the very beginning. As Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, he was initially one of the Avengers who received less screen time, but over the years he has evolved into a key figure in the Infinity Saga. From his brief debut in "Thor" to the major "Avengers" films and his own Disney+ series, Renner has portrayed the archer or lent his voice to the character in numerous productions.
Thor: Hawkeye's Brief MCU Debut
Jeremy Renner made his first appearance as early as 2011 in "Thor". At that time, Clint Barton is an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is assigned by Nick Fury – or rather, Phil Coulson – to monitor the situation surrounding Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. Hawkeye only gets a few moments on screen, but the appearance was important for the then-fledgling MCU. Marvel introduced the character before he took on a much larger role in the first "Avengers" movie.
Marvel's The Avengers: The First Major Mission
In 2012, Hawkeye finally became a full-fledged member of the Avengers. In "The Avengers", however, Clint is initially under the influence of Loki and his mind control. As a result, he temporarily fights against his future teammates. After Black Widow manages to free him from Loki's control, Hawkeye joins the Avengers and joins Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, and Black Widow in the battle for New York. His extraordinary skills with a bow and arrow make him an important member of the team, despite his lack of superpowers.
Avengers: Age of Ultron: Clint Barton Gets a Personal Life
Hawkeye took on a much more significant role in 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron". The film revealed a side of the character that had previously been largely unknown: Clint has a family and lives on a remote farm with his wife, Laura, and their children.
This helped establish Hawkeye more as a human being and not just as an agent and fighter. At the same time, his family serves as an important emotional anchor for the character. At the end of the film, Clint remains a member of the Avengers and is ready to train the next generation of heroes. Looking back, Marvel itself described "Age of Ultron" as an important step in the character's development.
Captain America: Civil War: Hawkeye vs. Iron Man
In 2016, Renner returned in "Captain America: Civil War". Clint sides with Steve Rogers and supports Captain America in the conflict over government control of the Avengers. Although Hawkeye doesn't enter the film until relatively late, his involvement in the major showdown between Team Cap and Team Iron Man becomes a pivotal moment. Together with Wanda, Scott Lang, and the other rebels, he ultimately faces off against Tony Stark and his allies at Leipzig Airport.
Avengers: Endgame: Hawkeye Becomes Ronin
After the Blip, Clint Barton assumes a completely new identity. In "Avengers: Endgame", we learn that his entire family has vanished as a result of Thanos' snap of his fingers. Clint becomes Ronin and hunts down criminal organizations around the world. Only Black Widow is able to convince him to rejoin the Avengers. Together, the heroes travel through time to retrieve the Infinity Stones. Hawkeye plays a central role in this, particularly during the mission on Vormir. After the final victory over Thanos, Clint returns to his family.
Black Widow: An Appearance Without Hawkeye
In the 2021 film "Black Widow", Clint is also part of the story, though only indirectly. Jeremy Renner lends his voice to Hawkeye, while archival footage and flashbacks to the events surrounding Natasha Romanoff are used. This also serves to underscore once again the close connection between Hawkeye and Black Widow.
What If...?: Hawkeye in Alternate Universes
Also in 2021, Renner lent his voice to the animated series "What If…?". There, he voices various alternate versions of Clint Barton. The series explores possible variations of the MCU storyline and shows how familiar events might unfold under different circumstances. Renner could be heard as Hawkeye in episodes such as "What If… Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?", "What If… The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?", and "What If… Ultron Won?", among others.
Hawkeye: Clint Barton Gets His Own Series
Jeremy Renner made his biggest appearance to date in 2021 with the Disney+ series "Hawkeye". Clint Barton takes center stage in six episodes. The story takes place after "Avengers: Endgame" and confronts the former Avenger with his past as a Ronin. At the same time, Clint meets the young Kate Bishop, who becomes his protégé. The series blends holiday spirit, action, and personal themes, ultimately setting the stage for Kate as a potential new Hawkeye.
This marks the end – for now – of Renner's active MCU storyline. Since "Hawkeye", his character has not yet appeared in any new live-action productions. However, rumors of a possible return continue to persist – and given the upcoming "Avengers" films, Hawkeye could very well draw his bow once again.
