Marvel's Hawkeye: Jeremy Renner Turns Down Season 2 After Disney's Insulting Offer
Jeremy Renner just dropped a bombshell: the actor has reportedly turned down an offer to return for season 2 of Hawkeye, calling the deal insulting. Between behind-the-scenes tension and sharp statements, fans’ favorite archer might be hanging up his bow for good.
Premiering on Disney+ in 2021, the Hawkeye series marked a turning point for Clint Barton, who had long remained in the shadows of the other Avengers. With its festive vibe, more personal tone, and the introduction of the promising Kate Bishop, the show won over both critics and viewers. Since then, many have hoped for a second season—but the archer’s future in the MCU now seems more uncertain than ever.
Image credit: Marvel Studios
An Offer He Couldn’t Accept
In an interview on the High Performance podcast, Jeremy Renner revealed that he was approached to film a second season of Hawkeye—but under terms he found unacceptable. The offer? Half the salary he received for season one. He turned it down immediately:
- “Twice the work for half the pay.”
- “I didn’t ask for more—just the same as last time.”
More than just a salary dispute, Renner described the offer as a real slap in the face. Still recovering from a recent accident, the actor implied that his physical condition had unfairly diminished his perceived value:
“Why? Did you think I’m only half of Jeremy because I got ran over? Maybe that’s why you want to pay me half.”
— Jeremy Renner
However, Renner didn’t directly blame Marvel, instead pointing the finger at the financial decision-makers behind the scenes—taking aim at Disney’s budgetary policies.
A Clouded Future for Hawkeye
While Renner remains fond of the character, he seems determined not to compromise on his worth. “I still love them, I love this character, but I had to stand up for myself,” he said. So far, neither Marvel Studios nor Disney has issued an official response. As of now, Hawkeye season 2 remains up in the air.
Back in February, Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s Head of Streaming, hinted at a potential return. He spoke of a sequel exploring the Christmas spirit and the evolving bond between Clint Barton and Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. But those comments were never followed by a formal renewal announcement.
TV Budgets on a Downward Spiral
The broader context also plays a role. Since 2023, Marvel has shifted its TV strategy toward more traditional television standards with tighter budgets. Gone are the days of series that felt like blockbuster films: this new approach likely explains the steep pay cuts being offered to actors.
So it’s possible that this isn’t just about Renner, but rather a broader move by Marvel to scale back after years of costly Disney+ expansion. Still, this kind of treatment—perceived as unfair by one of the franchise’s pillars—could end up discouraging other talent within the Marvel universe.
Turning down a highly anticipated sequel like Hawkeye season 2 wasn’t a decision Jeremy Renner took lightly. But as studios look to do more with less, the clash between the actor and the Disney machine highlights a growing divide between creativity and profitability. If the MCU wants to keep shining, it may need to better value those who helped build its success.
In the meantime, fans will have to make do with rewatching season one, hoping one day the archer makes a return—if the offer finally matches the man behind the hero.
