In a surprising revelation, Jeremy Renner, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) veteran known for portraying Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, has confirmed he turned down an offer to return for a second season of Disney+’s Hawkeye series. The decision stems from a significant salary dispute with Disney, which Renner described as an “insult offer” that slashed his Season 1 compensation in half. During an interview with the High Performance podcast, Renner opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama, his frustration with Disney’s accountants, and his lingering affection for the Hawkeye character, leaving fans questioning the future of the beloved series.
A Shocking Salary Cut Sparks Controversy
Renner, who has been a cornerstone of the MCU since his debut as Hawkeye in 2011’s Thor, revealed that Disney approached him for Hawkeye Season 2 with an offer that he found deeply disrespectful. “They asked me to do Season 2, and they offered me half the money,” Renner said. “I’m like, ‘Well, it’s going to take me twice the amount of work for half the amount of money, and eight months of my time, essentially, to do it for half the amount.’” The actor, who headlined the 2021 Hawkeye series alongside Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop, emphasized that the reduced offer was particularly galling given the physical and emotional demands of the role.
Renner suggested that the salary cut may have been influenced by his near-fatal snowplow accident in January 2023, which left him with over 30 broken bones, including eight ribs fractured in 14 places, a broken right knee, ankle, left leg tibia, right clavicle, and shoulder, as well as blunt chest trauma. “I’m like, ‘I’m sorry? Why? Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over? Maybe that’s why you want to pay me half of what I made on the first season,’” he quipped, highlighting the perceived insensitivity of the offer. Renner was crushed by a 14,000-pound Sno-Cat while attempting to save his nephew, an incident that required extensive recovery and left him questioning his ability to return to demanding roles.
The actor was quick to clarify that the issue lies not with Marvel Studios but with Disney’s financial decision-makers. “This is not Marvel, mind you. This is like, just Disney, not even really Disney. It’s just the penny pinchers, the accountants,” he said. “I told them to go fly a kite. I mean, just at the insult offer. So we didn’t see eye to eye on it.” Renner’s blunt rejection of the offer has sparked widespread discussion, with fans and industry observers criticizing Disney for undervaluing a founding MCU actor.
Fan Backlash and Industry Context
Renner’s comments have ignited a firestorm of support on social media, with fans expressing outrage over Disney’s handling of the situation. One X user, @GentleDoofus, remarked, “Offering the title character of a show half of what they were paid for the first season basically flies in the face of the entire model of TV, where actors are paid more the longer it goes on. I don’t blame him for bailing, it’s a frankly insulting offer.” Another fan, @JCMize676, tweeted, “Come on @MarvelStudios Do better!! How do you go on with Hawkeye without @JeremyRenner ?!?” The sentiment underscores the perception that Disney’s offer was not only unfair but also dismissive of Renner’s contributions to the MCU.
This incident is not an isolated case within the MCU. Other actors, including Carrie Coon, who declined to return as Proxima Midnight for Avengers: Endgame over a salary dispute, and John Malkovich, who turned down previous Marvel roles due to inadequate pay, have cited similar issues. The shift in Marvel’s television production model following a 2023 overhaul may also provide context. Marvel Studios has moved toward a more traditional TV production process with lower budgets compared to its earlier movie-like approach, which could explain the reduced salary offer. However, as Renner noted, the expectation of increased compensation for subsequent seasons is standard in the industry, making Disney’s offer particularly egregious.
The Future of Hawkeye and Renner’s MCU Role
While Renner’s refusal has cast doubt on Hawkeye Season 2, the series could theoretically proceed without him, given the narrative setup of Season 1. The show introduced Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, who is poised to take up the Hawkeye mantle. The first season, set in post-Avengers: Endgame New York City, followed Clint Barton as he mentored Kate, a skilled archer and his biggest fan, while unraveling a criminal conspiracy. The series earned strong reviews, boasting a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and nearly a billion viewing minutes for its finale, making it a fan favorite.
Marvel Studios’ Head of Television, Brad Winderbaum, hinted in February 2025 that the studio was exploring opportunities for a second season, citing the show’s Christmas setting and the dynamic between Clint and Kate as conducive to a continuation. However, with Renner’s exit, the focus could shift to Kate Bishop, potentially alongside other characters like Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, who appeared in Season 1 and reprises her role in 2025’s Thunderbolts. A spinoff, Echo, featuring Alaqua Cox, has already expanded the Hawkeye universe, suggesting Marvel could pivot to new leads.
Despite his frustration, Renner expressed a willingness to return to the MCU under fairer terms. “Sadly, I still love the character. I’d still love to do it, but I had to defend myself. I didn’t ask for any more money, mind you. Just pay me what I made the first season,” he said. His comments reflect a deep attachment to Clint Barton, a role he has played across five MCU films and the What If…? animated series. However, Renner’s absence from the announced cast of Avengers: Doomsday, which includes returning stars like Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr., raises questions about his long-term MCU future.
Renner’s Recovery and Perspective
Renner’s decision is also informed by his physical condition following the 2023 accident. In his memoir My Next Breath, he detailed the harrowing experience, noting that he “died” on the ice after 30 minutes of manual breathing, suffering a collapsed lung and extensive injuries. The recovery process has been grueling, and Renner admitted that his body is “probably thanking me” for not committing to the demanding Hawkeye shoot. His return to acting, including roles in Mayor of Kingstown and the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, has been challenging, with Renner expressing difficulty engaging in “make-believe” roles while still processing his trauma.
Disney has not officially responded to Renner’s claims, though a studio insider disputed his account without providing specifics. As of now, Hawkeye Season 2 has not been greenlit, and the series’ future remains uncertain. Fans can revisit Season 1 on Disney+ or explore its physical media release, which includes bonus features like a gag reel and a featurette, A Tale of Two Hawkeyes, highlighting the dynamic between Clint and Kate.
Conclusion
Jeremy Renner’s rejection of Hawkeye Season 2 underscores broader tensions in the entertainment industry, where even high-profile actors face pressure to accept reduced compensation. His candid remarks have rallied fans and sparked debate about Disney’s treatment of its talent, particularly in the wake of his life-altering accident. While Renner remains open to reprising Hawkeye, his stand against Disney’s “penny pinchers” highlights the importance of fair pay and respect for performers. As Marvel navigates Phase 6 and beyond, the hope remains that Renner and Disney can find common ground, ensuring the return of one of the MCU’s most enduring heroes.
