Jeremy Renner, known for his portrayal of Clint Barton in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has sparked surprise among fans by indicating he may not appear in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars films. As Phase 6 approaches its climax, questions have intensified about the fate of Hawkeye amid the unfolding Multiverse Saga.
Renner’s Unexpected Response About His Role
In a recent interview on Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, Jeremy Renner was directly asked about his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Contrary to expectations, Renner gave a straightforward answer, saying No. No. When pressed about the possibility of a Hawkeye Variant replacing him through the multiverse concept, Renner responded with humor and indifference.
“If they want to do that [replace him with a Hawkeye Variant,] they can go ahead by all means and do that [Laughs].”
– Jeremy Renner, Actor
He also remarked that he has been busy with other commitments, leaving open the idea that his absence might be a personal choice rather than a creative decision.
Production Details and Ongoing Casting Developments
The Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe, who are directing both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, completed shooting with much of the Avengers: Doomsday cast by September 19, 2025. Marvel Studios unveiled an initial cast lineup during a surprise live-stream on March 26, 2025, which featured returning actors from the Fox-Marvel era, introducing new dynamics to the MCU.
Despite Renner’s denial, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige clarified at CinemaCon on April 3, 2025, that further casting announcements for Avengers: Doomsday are imminent. Since MCU stars often have to deny involvement due to strict non-disclosure agreements, it remains uncertain whether Renner’s statement reflects final decisions or a confidentiality strategy.
The full cast for Avengers: Secret Wars, set to premiere in December 2027, has not yet been revealed, leaving open the possibility that Clint Barton could still be included. At this time, details about the start of principal photography on the Phase 6 finale have not been disclosed.
Plot and Timeline for Upcoming Avengers Films
Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, marks the fifth Avengers installment and the official launch of Phase 6 in the MCU. The movie will unite both new heroes and returning favorites to face the formidable villain Victor von Doom, once again portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. Alongside Renner’s uncertainty, other major cast members include Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
Following that, Avengers: Secret Wars is set for release on December 17, 2027, and is expected to conclude The Multiverse Saga. The plot remains closely guarded, increasing anticipation about its role in the MCU’s broader narrative. The Russo brothers direct this installment as well, with returning actors including Robert Downey Jr., Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, and Vanessa Kirby reprising her role.
The Future of Hawkeye and MCU’s Phase 6
Jeremy Renner’s apparent absence from these critical Avengers movies has unsettled many fans, adding an air of uncertainty about Clint Barton’s future in the MCU. His casual acceptance of potentially being replaced by a multiverse variant reflects the franchise’s increasing reliance on alternate realities to keep stories fresh. Whether Renner’s status will change as casting news unfolds remains unknown, especially since official announcements are expected soon.
The significance of these films lies not only in their ensemble casts but also in closing out over a decade of interconnected storytelling. Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars will likely set the stage for new directions in Marvel’s cinematic offerings. Fans and critics alike are eager to see which heroes return, who will take center stage, and how the narrative threads of Phase 6 will ultimately resolve.
