Update: Marvel to Write Controversial Jeremy Renner Out of the MCU

Jeremy Renner has not appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in several years, and new reporting suggests his time as Hawkeye may soon come to a formal end. According to industry sources, Marvel Studios is considering a storyline that would close out Clint Barton’s arc.

Renner last appeared onscreen as the character in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. Since then, the actor has remained largely absent from Marvel’s slate, aside from archival footage used in Echo, with no confirmed future appearances announced.

That absence has become more notable as Marvel continues outlining its next phase. Several original Avengers have been confirmed for upcoming crossover films, but Renner’s name has not appeared among them, prompting speculation about the character’s future.

Clint Barton was first introduced in Thor (2011) as a S.H.I.E.L.D. operative under Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Early appearances positioned Barton as a grounded counterpoint to the franchise’s gods and super-soldiers.

The character went on to play key roles in The Avengers (2012) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). Those films expanded Barton’s role beyond support, emphasizing his loyalty to the team and his increasing emotional strain.

That trajectory deepened in Avengers: Endgame (2019), which explored Barton’s grief following the Blip and his violent turn as the vigilante Ronin. The storyline marked one of the character’s most significant developments within the franchise.

Barton’s most recent appearance came in Hawkeye, which paired him with Kate Bishop, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld. The series framed Barton as a reluctant mentor and positioned Bishop as a potential successor.

The show concluded with Barton returning to his family, a resolution that suggested finality. Unlike many Marvel characters, his arc ended without a clear path back into the larger ensemble.

A Second Season Could Mark the End

According to industry insider @JamesMackwl, Marvel Studios is working on a second season of Hawkeye that would shift focus entirely to Kate Bishop. The season would reportedly function as a definitive send-off for Clint Barton.

“The idea is to have Kate Bishop as the protagonist, without Clint this time,” Mack said. “This would be Clint Barton’s definitive send-off (possibly a death, I honestly don’t know).”

Marvel has not confirmed a second season or commented on the report. Steinfeld has also remained largely absent from the MCU since Hawkeye (2021), aside from a brief appearance in the post-credits scene of The Marvels (2023).

That scene appeared to tease a potential Young Avengers project involving Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan. Marvel has not formally announced the project, and its status remains unclear.

Several actors associated with the rumored team have since aged out of the “young” designation, complicating long-term planning. No casting updates or production timeline have been provided.

Unlike many of his Avengers co-stars, Renner has not been named among the returning heroes for Avengers: Doomsday (2026) or Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Marvel Studios has not addressed his absence.

Renner has previously spoken about his contract negotiations with Disney. During an interview with High Performance, he said he was offered “half” of the salary he received for the first season of Hawkeye.

“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,’” Renner said.

He suggested that his January 2023 snowplow accident may have influenced the offer. “Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?” he said.

Legal Disputes Add Complications

The reported plans for Hawkeye Season 2 arrive amid ongoing controversy involving Renner. In late 2025, Yi Zhou accused the actor of sexual misconduct and abuse, allegations that Renner has denied.

Zhou alleged that Renner threatened to “call ICE” during a confrontation related to earlier claims of misconduct, implying that he would have her deported. She accused him of sending unsolicited sexual photos and shouting at her while intoxicated, saying the encounter left her fearing for her safety.

According to TMZ, Renner’s attorney served Zhou with a cease-and-desist letter claiming Renner had agreed to participate in her documentary, Chronicles of Disney, and that Zhou made a move on him during a meeting.

Renner acknowledged a “brief consensual encounter” but said he told Zhou he was not interested in a sexual relationship and asked her to stay in a guest bedroom. He alleged that Zhou later sent him hundreds of explicit messages demanding sex.

Renner also claimed Zhou threatened to harm his reputation unless he agreed to promote the documentary and present them as a couple. He denied narrating an AI-generated animated film attributed to him and warned of legal action over continued use of his name and likeness.

Zhou told TMZ that she has also issued multiple cease-and-desist notices to Renner.

Disney has not commented on the allegations or whether they affect Hawkeye Season 2 or Renner’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Would you like to see Jeremy Renner back for Season 2 of Hawkeye?