At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) learned that Jeremy Renner has expressed optimism about returning for Hawkeye Season 2 despite facing significant challenges with compensation and increased responsibilities. Renner revealed he was initially offered half the payment he received for the first season, even though the workload was reportedly doubled, raising uncertainty about the show‘s continuation.
While Marvel Studios has indicated plans to limit itself to releasing only one series per year going forward, Renner remains confident that the character Clint Barton will return. Speaking to Empire Online, he said,
“I’m always happy to be in that world, man, I love all those guys, I love the character. I’m sure we’ll end up doing Season 2, and do other things. And I’m happy to do it. My body’s getting ready for something like that. I don’t know if anybody wants to see me in tights, but my body will look good in the tights.”
—Jeremy Renner, Actor
Comic-Con Highlights: DC Universe Updates and Marvel’s Spider-Man Filming in Scotland
Although this year’s San Diego Comic-Con lacked major trailer reveals, it still offered new details for fans of both the MCU and DC Universe (DCU). James Gunn, director of the upcoming Superman film, shared behind-the-scenes insights about the character Mr. Handsome, a creation of Lex Luthor’s who some fans speculate might be a White Martian. Gunn explained,
“Lex created Mr. Handsome in a Petri dish when he was 12 – he was trying to make a human. He didn’t come out so well, but he just might be the only one in the world Lex has any true sentiment for, as evidenced by the photo on his desk.”
—James Gunn, Director
Gunn also addressed rumors about Robert Pattinson’s Batman joining the DCU, telling Entertainment Tonight,
“We’ve talked about it before, but it’s not what’s happening right now,”
and added,
“Everything’s in flux, so we’ll figure out what we’re doing next.”
—James Gunn, Director
Meanwhile, production has been underway on the MCU’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with new images emerging from the set in Glasgow, Scotland, capturing the street-level energy expected from the latest chapter in the franchise.
Jessica Jones To Reappear in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2
Krysten Ritter is confirmed to reprise her role as Jessica Jones in the second season of Daredevil: Born Again. The actor discussed how her involvement with the series was kept secret before its official announcement to maintain excitement. Ritter shared with Deadline,
“Well, I obviously knew all of the things that were happening. When I landed in New York, everybody was like, ‘She’s here for Daredevil,’”
and added,
“Then it was announced that I was in Dexter, so it was a fun way to throw everybody off the track.”
—Krysten Ritter, Actor
She further explained the care Marvel took with the reveal:
“We really wanted to preserve the Jessica Jones announcement for an event like the Upfronts. Marvel wanted to find the right time to announce so it could be celebratory and not have it leak, so it’s not something on the internet that comes and goes. We pulled it off, and that was exciting.”
—Krysten Ritter, Actor
Insights Into The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the Role of Doctor Doom
The mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a glimpse into future storylines featuring Doctor Doom, who is seen unmasked and setting his sights on young Franklin Richards, hinting at coming conflicts. Director Matt Shakman revealed that Robert Downey Jr. appeared in a cloak for a stinger shot, filmed on the set of Avengers: Doomsday under the Russo Brothers’ direction.
Vanessa Kirby, who plays the Invisible Woman, praised Downey’s constant presence and leadership during filming, telling Variety,
“Robert’s never not been on set. He’s always there. He is our leader,”
and added,
“We call him our Godfather. He’s looked after us. It’s such a joy working with the Russos and him, because they’ve had such deep collaboration for so long.”
—Vanessa Kirby, Actor
Kirby also reflected on her own experience, saying,
“And it’s been amazing being pregnant and working on ‘Avengers.’ I felt so inspired and so relieved that I’ve been so taken care of. It’s been a really beautiful journey. Robert is just doing incredible work. I’m so excited.”
—Vanessa Kirby, Actor
Closing Thoughts: The Future of the MCU and DCU Unfolds with Exciting Possibilities
As Marvel Studios shifts its production strategy and actors like Jeremy Renner remain hopeful about their characters’ returns, the MCU continues to balance challenges related to contracts and workload while promising new storylines and developments. At the same time, the DC Universe is evolving, with creators like James Gunn navigating uncertainties and introducing intriguing characters. Fans can expect more surprises in the upcoming years as these interconnected worlds expand with fresh projects like Daredevil: Born Again season 2 and new phases of Fantastic Four narratives.
