Jeremy Renner Declines 'Hawkeye' Sequel Due to Pay Dispute

Jeremy Renner, widely known for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, explained his decision to step away from a second season of the 'Hawkeye' series. He cited being offered a significantly reduced salary — only half of what he earned during the first season — as the main reason for his departure.

Renner first portrayed the character of Hawkeye in Marvel's massive 2012 blockbuster, 'The Avengers,' a film instrumental in propelling the franchise to become a record-breaking cinematic phenomenon, with earnings surpassing $31 billion globally.

Unlike some of his fellow Avengers, Hawkeye did not receive a solo feature film. Instead, Renner starred in the Disney+ series 'Hawkeye' in 2021, co-starring Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Hawkeye's protégé. Steinfeld is anticipated to reprise her role in upcoming Marvel ventures.

During a conversation on 'The High Performance Podcast,' which gained traction on TikTok, Renner expressed his dissatisfaction: 'The proposal for season two was half of my original pay, implying double the effort for less reward.'

Renner's absence extends to the cast announcement of the 2026 release, 'Avengers: Doomsday.'

He also highlighted that pay negotiations surfaced after an accident in 2023, which left him seriously injured with numerous fractures, and suggested a possible connection between his injuries and the reduced offer.

He questioned the rationale behind the offer, joking, 'Do you think I'm half the man due to my accident, hence the half pay?'

Renner clarified the financial issue stemmed not from Marvel or Disney at large but rather from budget-conscious financial managers, which he saw as an affront, resulting in an amicable disagreement.

Although he retains an interest in continuing his role as Hawkeye, Renner stands firm on receiving equitable compensation matching his inaugural season’s earnings.

Reflecting on the situation, Renner conveyed some relief, acknowledging, 'Although disappointing, stepping back might actually be beneficial for my health.'

This development follows an earlier dispute involving fellow Marvel actor Scarlett Johansson, who sued Disney in 2021 over 'Black Widow's' hybrid release model, claiming it breached her contract by affecting her revenue linked to box office sales. The matter was promptly settled, yet Marvel Studios and Disney remain silent on Renner's recent grievances.

Next Steps

Marvel enthusiasts await official responses while speculating on potential changes within the superhero franchise dynamics.