Jeremy Renner delivered a quietly powerful and emotional performance in the Marvel series Hawkeye, demonstrating a depth that many feel has not been fully recognized. Renner’s portrayal of Clint Barton stood out for its subtlety and realism, a fact highlighted by director Rhys Thomas, which adds to the disappointment over the cancellation of Hawkeye Season 2.
The Quiet Brilliance Behind Jeremy Renner’s Emotional Portrayal in Hawkeye
Jeremy Renner’s role as Hawkeye was unlike the typical Marvel superhero performance, focusing on vulnerability and authenticity instead of grandiose powers. In the 2021 Disney+ series, Renner portrayed Barton as a flawed, human character grappling with trauma, loss, and personal challenges, including his struggles following the death of Natasha Romanoff and ongoing hearing issues.
Rhys Thomas praised Renner’s unique ability to communicate profound emotions without relying on extensive dialogue, stating,
“Jeremy frequently didn’t want say much, you know. His character in the script had all this exposition. We had him saying a lot. He was genius [in] that kind of knowing, ‘I can, I can say that entire paragraph just like this [grunts].’ And he could. Not many people can.”
—Rhys Thomas, Director
This performance made Barton feel deeply relatable—a soldier, a father, and a man weighed down by his past, yet trying to do right. Renner’s interactions with co-star Hailee Steinfeld underscored the warmth and humanity at the heart of the show, setting Hawkeye apart as a grounded and emotionally honest Marvel story.
Behind the Scenes: How Marvel’s Decisions Ended Hawkeye Season 2 Prematurely
Despite the success and strong critical acclaim of the first season—holding a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—Hawkeye Season 2 never materialized, largely due to decisions made by Marvel and Disney. Sources indicated a complex situation arose when Disney reportedly offered Jeremy Renner only half of his Season 1 salary for the follow-up.
Renner publicly reacted to the offer as a personal slight, especially since he was recovering from a serious snowplow accident in 2023. He expressed his feelings bluntly:
“Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?”
—Jeremy Renner, Actor
Though he remained attached to the character, internal reports suggest Disney and Marvel preferred that Renner decline the offer, allowing them to cancel the series quietly while framing it as his choice rather than a corporate decision. This approach seemingly stemmed from concerns about the first season’s moderate viewership and the desire to avoid financing a costly second season.
The Enduring Impact of Renner’s Performance and What This Means for Hawkeye Fans
Jeremy Renner’s portrayal emphasized a more human and vulnerable side of a Marvel hero, challenging typical superhero archetypes and resonating with millions of viewers. His ability to convey so much with little dialogue elevated the show’s emotional weight and helped it stand out in a crowded superhero landscape.
With the cancellation of Season 2, fans and critics alike face the loss of what could have been a deeper exploration of Clint Barton’s story. The decision highlights tensions between creative achievements and corporate priorities within major studios like Disney and Marvel.
Hawkeye Season 1 remains available to stream on Disney+ in the USA, serving as a reminder of Renner’s remarkable quiet strength in bringing this character to life.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Jeremy Renner walk again?
A. After a year focused on recovering, Renner overcame more than 30 broken bones and relearned how to walk independently. In January, he resumed acting to film the third season of his drama, “Mayor of Kingstown.”
Q. Is Jeremy Renner deaf? I googled him…and he’s hard of hearing, not deaf. That means he has partial hearing.
A. Is Jeremy Renner hard of hearing in one ear?
Q. Can Jeremy Renner see out of both eyes?
A. Luckily, doctors successfully reconstructed the actor’s eye socket using metal plates and screws. He can now see clearly with both eyes again.
Q. Can Jeremy Renner see with both eyes?
A. In a recent interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, Renner explained, “I think I saw my own eye with the other one” when it popped out. Medical professionals used metal plates and screws to fix his eye socket, and his vision is now fully restored in both eyes.
