There have long been rumours about plans for Hawkeye season 2, with a story heavily inspired by The Raid. In that, Clint Barton and Kate Bishop will reportedly battle Barney Barton, a.k.a. Trickshot.
Much to the surprise of fans, Jeremy Renner dismissed the notion of another season happening after revealing that Marvel Studios offered him half of what he earned for season 1 (for what would be a lengthy 9-month shoot). Marvel Studios is also expected to put less of a focus on big screen characters on streaming, creating a clearer line between what people can see in theaters and at home.
Is Renner done with the MCU? It's hard to shake that feeling, particularly when he hasn't been announced for Avengers: Doomsday.
We may have a positive update for you today, as scooper Daniel Richtman is reporting, "Marvel [is] still in talks with Jeremy Renner to come back for a season 2 of Hawkeye."
If the two sides can find a middle ground with money and time—there's more on the latter below—then we see no reason why Renner can't wield the Avenger's bow again. Hawkeye season 1 served as a passing of the mantle to Hailee Steinfeld's Kate, so she could likely hold her own without him having a lead role.
Renner joined the MCU in 2011 when he made a surprise cameo appearance in Thor. We can't believe Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige would let him leave the franchise without a proper send-off, but only time will tell how these discussions pan out.
"I think it's more the willingness to step away from things," Renner recently said of taking a step back from the MCU. "My daughter's the priority. It's not even a choice. I'm going to be a father to my daughter. If they're going to keep shooting in London or [whatever], it's not gonna work."
When The Raid and Trickshot rumours were presented to him, the actor replied, "Maybe some of that's true in there, I don't know. We got into it a little bit storywise and stuff. Everyone was interested in it. I wouldn't want to say no to that. I think there's still a lot of ideas and they've got to figure a lot of things out."
"I'm always game to do it, man," Renner confirmed. "It's a fun world, and I love being part of it. Selfishly, I like the currency of doing it because of what it means to the kids in the foundation I run."
Would you like to see Renner return as Clint Barton in Hawkeye season 2?