As anticipation builds for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, Jeremy Renner has offered insight into the future of his character, Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. Addressing whether Hawkeye’s retirement is permanent, Renner implied that the archer’s withdrawal from action has always been temporary, suggesting that his return is likely. This comment is significant for fans following Jeremy Renner Hawkeye retirement speculations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Hawkeye’s Reluctant Respite from Heroism
Jeremy Renner explained to ComicBook that Hawkeye “started retired,” but he keeps being drawn back into action.
“I think he’s a family man; you always know where his allegiance lies, and he’s always come out of retirement, man. Until he’s killed, he’s always gonna be working,”
Renner said. This captures Barton’s storyline, where he repeatedly tries to step away from danger but is inevitably pulled back. From stepping down after Avengers: Age of Ultron to his house arrest following Captain America: Civil War, he strives for quiet but never fully escapes his heroic duties.
The Influence of Past Roles and Upcoming Expectations
Hawkeye’s recent Disney+ series began with him living in the shadows, having left his former life behind until his Ronin persona brings peril back into his world. Renner’s remarks align with Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo’s viewpoint that
“When you’re a hero, your job is to die… To sacrifice yourself for the greater good.”
This philosophy suggests that Hawkeye’s role in Avengers: Doomsday could be both pivotal and possibly sacrificial, heightening anticipation around his character’s trajectory.
Uncertainty Around Hawkeye’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday
While Marvel has not officially revealed Jeremy Renner’s involvement in the Avengers: Doomsday cast, speculation continues as the 2026 release nears. So far, only Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is confirmed from the original Avengers lineup, leaving fans to wonder about the returns of Barton, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Considering Renner’s statements and past patterns, Hawkeye’s retirement appears more like a pause than a full stop.
