On Christmas Eve 2025, as Marvel fans worldwide dissected the newly dropped teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday—featuring the shocking return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers— one particular reaction stood out and sent the internet into a frenzy. Jeremy Renner, the actor who has portrayed Clint Barton/Hawkeye across multiple MCU films and his own Disney+ series, took to social media to share his enthusiasm. Reposting the official teaser on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “Very cool 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼” and sharing the film’s first poster on Instagram, Renner’s actions have ignited widespread speculation that he might be subtly teasing his return as the arrow-slinging Avenger in the highly anticipated 2026 blockbuster.

For a franchise built on secrets, surprises, and multiversal twists, Renner’s posts feel like classic MCU misdirection—or perhaps a genuine hint. While many actors, including those not involved in the project, have shared promotional material out of excitement or camaraderie, fans quickly noted a pattern: only confirmed cast members have prominently posted the official poster. Renner’s decision to do so, combined with his history as one of the original six Avengers, has fueled theories that Hawkeye could be suiting up once more to face Robert Downey Jr.’s menacing Doctor Doom.

Renner’s journey with the MCU began in 2011 with a memorable cameo in Thor, where his Hawkeye provided sniper support before the character became a core member of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in 2012’s The Avengers. Over the years, Clint Barton evolved from a reliable marksman to a deeply human figure—a family man haunted by his past, forced into retirement multiple times only to be pulled back into the fray. His arcs in Avengers: Age of Ultron (introducing his secret family), Captain America: Civil War (choosing sides and facing house arrest), and Avengers: Endgame (transforming into the vengeful Ronin after losing everything in the Snap) added emotional depth rare among the god-like powerhouses.

The 2021 Disney+ series Hawkeye served as a poignant passing of the torch, with Renner mentoring Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop amid holiday-themed chaos in New York City. The finale saw Clint finally embracing retirement, spending Christmas with his family after years of sacrifice. It felt like a fitting endpoint for the character, emphasizing his “superpower” as loyalty and humanity rather than superhuman abilities. Yet, as Renner himself has often joked, Hawkeye’s retirements never seem to stick—much like the actor’s own resilience.

Renner’s real-life comeback story adds another layer of intrigue to the speculation. In January 2023, he suffered a near-fatal snowplow accident that left him with over 30 broken bones and severe trauma. His miraculous recovery—documented through social media updates, physical therapy milestones, and a return to work on projects like Mayor of Kingstown—inspired millions. Renner has spoken openly about reclaiming his strength, even expressing willingness to reprise Hawkeye if physically able, stating he would be “strong enough” when the time comes.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Renner’s comments on a potential MCU return have been a rollercoaster, keeping fans on edge. Early hints suggested optimism, particularly after Robert Downey Jr.’s bombshell casting as Doctor Doom was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Renner admitted the news excited him, noting the original Avengers group chat blew up and that Downey’s return made his own comeback “more likely.” He teased that Clint’s family allegiance would always pull him out of retirement “until he’s killed,” implying Hawkeye remains ready for duty.

However, later interviews painted a different picture. In promotions for Mayor of Kingstown Season 4, Renner flatly denied involvement in Doomsday or the follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars, responding “No, damn no” when directly asked. He laughed off suggestions of a multiversal variant replacing him, saying Marvel could “go ahead” if they wanted, as he was “pretty busy” with other commitments. Reports of past salary disputes with Disney over the Hawkeye series and a reportedly lowball offer for a potential Season 2 further complicated matters, leading some to believe bridges had been burned.

Despite these denials, MCU actors are notorious for misdirection under strict NDAs. Chris Evans repeatedly swore he was done with Captain America before his Doomsday return was unveiled in the teaser. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk status remains unconfirmed despite heavy rumors, and other originals like Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow have been subjects of resurrection theories. Renner’s recent social media activity—reposting the teaser enthusiastically and the poster specifically—has reignited hope, especially on a day when Marvel dropped major news.

The massive ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday, directed once again by the Russo Brothers, already boasts returns from Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Captain America/Sam Wilson), and a crossover bonanza with the Fantastic Four, X-Men originals, and New Avengers/Thunderbolts members. Doctor Doom’s threat promises a multiversal scale, pulling in heroes from across realities. Hawkeye’s grounded perspective could provide emotional grounding amid the chaos, perhaps reuniting with old friends or mentoring the next generation alongside Kate Bishop and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh).

Fans argue Hawkeye’s absence would be a glaring omission—one of only three surviving original Avengers (alongside Thor and Hulk) not yet locked in. His ties to the team run deep: best friend to Black Widow, moral compass in civil wars, and survivor of the Blip’s darkest consequences. A return could offer closure, heroism, or even sacrifice, fitting the high-stakes narrative.

Whether Renner’s posts are a deliberate tease, supportive gesture to his “forever bonded” Avengers family, or confirmation of a surprise role remains unclear. Marvel Studios has promised more casting reveals, and with reshoots possible, doors aren’t fully closed. As Doomsday barrels toward its December 18, 2026 release, the archer’s aim feels truer than ever—fans are locked on target, waiting for the bullseye confirmation that Hawkeye is back in the quiver.

In a saga defined by comebacks, Renner’s subtle signals remind us why we fell for Clint Barton: he’s the everyman hero who always answers the call, no matter the odds. If this is indeed a tease, it could be the perfect holiday gift for longtime MCU devotees—a reminder that in the world of superheroes, retirement is never permanent.