Credit: Marvel StudiosA beloved Marvel hero may finally be making his way back into the spotlight. After years of uncertainty, fans of Hawkeye have fresh reason to believe that Clint Barton’s story isn’t over yet. Recent comments from Jeremy Renner are giving the Marvel fandom hope that his bow and arrow could return to action, and this time, with a festive twist.
This isn’t just another rumor floating around the internet. Renner has opened up in new interviews about what could come next for Hawkeye—and the details might just reignite excitement for one of Marvel’s most grounded heroes.
The Expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe
It’s wild to think how much the Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown. What began with a handful of heroes has exploded into a massive interconnected world spanning movies, streaming series, and even Multiverse shenanigans. Every year brings new faces, new stories, and big surprises.
From Iron Man’s iconic debut to the rise of heroes like Shang-Chi, Moon Knight, and Ms. Marvel, the MCU has introduced an entire army of characters. But among all these superpowered figures, Hawkeye has always stood out—not because of magic or cosmic abilities, but because he’s human. A skilled marksman, a father figure, and a steady presence, Clint Barton has been there since the beginning.
Hawkeye: One of the Originals
Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton made his MCU debut back in The Avengers (2012). Over the years, he became a core member of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, fighting alongside legends like Iron Man and Captain America.
And while other characters gained flashy suits or godlike powers, Hawkeye remained the sharpshooter with a heart. His story took a new direction in 2021 with the release of Hawkeye on Disney+, pairing Clint with Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop in a Christmas-set mission that felt personal and refreshingly grounded.
But just when the character seemed to be getting a new chapter, everything changed in Renner’s real life.
The “Low-Blow” Offer After His Injury
In early 2023, Jeremy Renner survived a horrific snowplow accident that left him with 38 broken bones. His recovery was long and grueling, and for a while, any talk of Hawkeye’s future faded into the background. But then came the “insult offer.”
Renner recently revealed that Marvel approached him with a contract offer to return—but for “half the money” he had made previously. He didn’t mince words about how that felt. It was, as he described, “a low blow.”
Despite that, he didn’t close the door. Renner revisited the Hawkeye Season 2 topic and acknowledged that the show, which never materialized after its first season, might be back on the table. “I was made an offer to return for half the money,” he said, reflecting on the post-accident negotiations. Even after the setback, he made it clear: he’s still open to returning.
Season 2: A Festive Return to New York
During a conversation with Screen Rant, Renner gave fans their first authentic taste of what Season 2 might look like if it moves forward. While he was upfront that the decision isn’t his to make, he shared some intriguing plot ideas.
“For a second season,” Renner explained, “that was always the idea to continue that narrative, even in the Christmas framework of it all, too, because they love that world in New York. There’s really no more beautiful place than New York until Christmas. After Christmas is kind of bleak.”
This festive angle aligns with past rumors from reliable sources suggesting that Hawkeye Season 2 could channel the energy of Die Hard (1988). This Christmas action classic perfectly fits Clint Barton’s gritty, street-level heroism.
Trickshot Enters the Chat
According to multiple reports, Marvel’s plan for the sophomore season involved trapping Clint Barton and Kate Bishop in a single location as they faced off against Barney Barton—Clint’s brother, better known as Trickshot.
Insiders claimed that Marvel even approached an A-list actor for the Trickshot role, one who could appear in “multiple projects” beyond the show. Initially, the plan was to film in Fall 2025 and release the film in late 2026 or 2027. However, as Renner’s contract negotiations dragged on, those timelines became somewhat unclear.
Christmas Returns, Eventually
If Season 2 does move forward, one thing seems almost certain: the Christmas setting is coming back. Just like the first season, the holidays would likely frame the story, making a fall or winter premiere most likely. With each delay, 2027 or even 2028 seems more realistic as a target release year.
Renner recently told PopVerse that he’ll “always dance” with Marvel. He also added that the timing of any return will come “once I’m fully recovered,” as long as “there’s still a need, want, and desire for it.” In short, if the story is there and Marvel is ready, he’s in.
Hailee Steinfeld and the Young Avengers Question
Of course, Hawkeye isn’t just about Clint anymore. Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop has become a fan favorite. But her future may be complicated. Reports suggest she’s expected to join Champions, a Disney+ series centered on younger heroes, such as Kamala Khan.
It’s not easy to imagine her leading two separate shows, especially now that Marvel is moving toward fewer, more focused seasons. That has led some fans to wonder if Hawkeye and Champions might merge into one.
Many versions of the Young Avengers storyline have a mentor figure, and Clint Barton could naturally fill that role again—guiding a new generation just as he did with Kate.
A Veteran Hero with More to Give
Jeremy Renner’s relationship with Marvel has spanned more than a decade. Through battles, losses, and triumphs, Hawkeye has quietly remained one of the most consistent heroes in the MCU. His story may not have the Multiverse chaos of Doctor Strange or the spectacle of Thor, but that’s part of why fans love him.
Renner’s willingness to return, even after an offer that would have made many actors walk away, speaks volumes about his commitment to the character. And Marvel seems to recognize how meaningful Hawkeye’s return could be in a phase of the MCU that’s struggling to recapture the magic of its earlier years.
The Arrow’s Not Done Flying
As the holiday lights of New York might shine again on Disney+, fans are holding onto hope that Clint Barton will pick up his bow once more. Whether it happens in Hawkeye Season 2, a Champions crossover, or another MCU project entirely, Renner’s recent comments make one thing clear: he’s not done yet.
In a cinematic universe filled with gods and aliens, sometimes the most inspiring hero is the one who stands tall without superpowers. If Renner has his way—and if Marvel finds the right story—Hawkeye’s arrow will fly again.