A beloved Marvel hero could be making a surprise return in the next Avengers saga. After months of rumors and hints, new details suggest their story in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) isn’t over yet — find out why fans are convinced this comeback is happening.
Will Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye make a comeback? It’s still uncertain if several well-known characters will indeed make a comeback in the upcoming Marvel crossover. Only Chris Hemsworth’s character, Thor, is officially scheduled to appear in the film, but there are many whispers that his colleagues might follow. With Mark Ruffalo almost certainly confirmed, Evans may be the biggest unknown right now, but Renner is perhaps the most exciting possibility.
Jeremy Renner’s portrayal of Hawkeye has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, from his debut in Thor (2011) to his lead role in Disney+’s Hawkeye series. Since then, fans have been left wondering whether Renner will return to the MCU — especially after his serious snowplow accident in 2023 and his subsequent recovery. He suffered a near-fatal accident on January 1, 2023, when a large snowplow crushed him on his property, leaving him with more than 30 broken bones and a collapsed lung. Some speculated he would never walk again.
But Renner has slowly returned to work, resuming production on Mayor of Kingstown and expressing gratitude for his recovery journey. In interviews, he’s spoken warmly about Marvel and the character of Clint Barton, saying he’s “always open” to coming back if the story feels right. His affection for the role and the fanbase remains clear. “I love all those guys,” he told Empire. I love the character … I’m sure we’ll end up doing Season 2 and do other things. … My body’s getting ready for something like that.”
We may now have a clear indication of whether Hawkeye will make a comeback in Doomsday. During the press tour for the fourth season of Mayor of Kingstown, which premieres on October 26th, Renner shared his thoughts on Hawkeye’s status in the MCU with ComicBook’s Chris Killian. In particular, he discussed whether Barton is retired and what might bring him back as an active hero. “I think he started retired… but he’s always pulled out of retirement, you know,” Renner. “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.”
The news comes just as speculation about more has resurfaced this year due to Renner’s recuperation and rekindled desire to play the part.
Clint was at a grounded but (of course) still complex position after his recent arc. Following Barton’s return to New York over the holidays, following the Blip years, and his stint as Ronin. After his suit is stolen, Hawkeye’s 2021 series brings him into conflict with Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) and the Tracksuit Mafia. He encountered Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) along the road, a shrewd and bold archer who would go on to become his companion and protégé (and future Young Avenger star). Before confronting longtime Daredevil adversary Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), the season forced Barton to deal with ancient demons, including a heated rooftop confrontation with Yelena Belova. Barton burnt the Ronin costume, barely made it home for Christmas by the end, and unofficially started Kate on the path to adopting the Hawkeye identity.
The series likewise caught longtime comics fans off guard. His wife, Laura Barton (Linda Cardellini), was identified as the owner of the mysterious Rolex retrieved in the finale, proving that she was once S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Agent 19. This left the door open for future storylines that intertwine Clint’s home life with his job as an Avenger, while also subtly hinting at a deeper past for Laura.
Actually, it would be shocking if Hawkeye didn’t appear in Secret Wars or Doomsday with the rest of his original Avengers. Even if the hero is retired, he will probably be forced to mentor the upcoming generation of heroes or perhaps even shoot some arrows on his own when some remarkably familiar faces emerge.
Jeremy Renner’s upcoming projects could determine how soon he returns as Hawkeye or appears in Avengers: Doomsday. He’s currently filming Mayor of Kingstown Season 3 and developing several passion projects, which could limit his Marvel schedule. However, Renner has said he’s “getting stronger” and is open to returning if timing aligns. Doomsday started filming in April 2025. Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 was filmed between January and June 2025, with the production beginning in January 2025 and wrapping up in June 2025. The season is scheduled to premiere on October 26, 2025, on Paramount+. His renewed visibility and proven recovery make him a strong candidate for a supporting or mentor role — though his availability and contract negotiations will ultimately decide when Clint Barton picks up the bow again.
Jeremy Renner is highly likely to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After recovering from his 2023 snowplow accident, he’s repeatedly expressed enthusiasm about reprising Hawkeye, saying he’s “strong enough” and “ready” whenever Marvel calls. He’s also hinted that Hawkeye Season 2 or other MCU appearances could happen soon. With his physical recovery complete, ongoing fan support, and Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday offering natural opportunities for legacy heroes to reappear, Renner’s return seems more a matter of timing than possibility. All signs — from his comments to Marvel’s plans — point to Clint Barton not being finished yet.
Although the huge cast of Avengers Doomsday has already been revealed, Kevin Feige has indicated that more casting announcements are coming.
Do you want to see Hawkeye return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Let us know in the comments below!
