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Credit: Marvel StudiosDisney has been playing with fire with their latest “woke” projects. Now, they’re finally feeling the heat.
Disney’s been walking a tightrope lately—trying to embrace inclusion and modern storytelling while avoiding the backlash that’s come with some of its recent projects. It’s been a mix of bold moves and quiet retreats, from Marvel to Star Wars, from live-action remakes to animated originals. But when Hawkeye star Jeremy Renner said “no thanks” to Season 2, it felt like a turning point in this ongoing tug-of-war between creativity, politics, and the bottom line.
Renner Says No to a “Half-Salary” Return
Jeremy Renner was reportedly offered just 50% of his original Hawkeye salary to return for a second season. Renner turned the offer down flat after surviving a near-fatal snow plow accident. He made it clear he wasn’t interested in being sidelined in favor of what some fans have called a more “woke” direction for the MCU. Instead of continuing Clint Barton’s journey, Disney is handing the bow over to Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop full-time. And while some are excited about that move, others feel like it’s another case of legacy characters being replaced for the sake of change.
She-Hulk: Strong Message, Mixed Reception
Then there’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which leaned hard into satire, feminism, and fourth-wall-breaking commentary. While it had its defenders, the series faced serious backlash over its tone, CGI issues, and what some saw as heavy-handed messaging. It didn’t help that longtime fans of Marvel felt like Bruce Banner was pushed to the side to boost a new character. In the end, the show didn’t resonate as broadly as Disney hoped, and there’s been no official word about a second season.
Snow White Gets a Makeover—But Not a Warm Welcome
Disney’s live-action Snow White remake has been under a microscope from the start. With Rachel Zegler cast in the title role and the classic Seven Dwarfs replaced by “magical creatures,” fans voiced concerns that the film was straying too far from its roots. Zegler’s own comments about the prince being “a stalker” and Snow White not needing a man only added fuel to the fire. The controversial backlash was especially evident when it released back in March with a terrible box office performance. Despite the apparent success on Disney+, some fans are still fuming and boycotting the movie entirely.
Win or Lose Quietly Scrubbed
Disney’s animated series Win or Lose was initially praised for its plan to include a transgender character. But in a surprise move, dialogue affirming the character’s identity was reportedly removed ahead of the show’s premiere. No big announcement. No statement. Just gone. Many fans saw it as Disney backing down from the kind of representation it once championed, especially when facing pressure in today’s politically divided environment.
Star Wars and the Struggle to Please Everyone
Even Star Wars hasn’t been immune. While series like Andor and The Mandalorian have received praise, others—like The Acolyte—have been accused of prioritizing messages over story. Casting choices, gender dynamics, and modern themes have stirred debate among longtime fans. Disney clearly wants to expand the galaxy to include everyone, but it’s proving difficult to do that without alienating parts of the fanbase.
A Company Caught in the Crossfire
Disney isn’t pulling out of the culture wars entirely—but it’s definitely adjusting. Whether it’s by shelving content, cutting characters, or doubling down on other projects, the studio is testing what audiences will accept. Jeremy Renner’s exit from Hawkeye might be a personal decision, but it also reflects a broader shift: even the actors are drawing lines in the sand.
Where Disney goes next is anyone’s guess—but one thing’s for sure, fans will be watching.