Jeremy Renner Criticizes Disney for Unfair Offer to Reprise Hawkeye Role

Jeremy Renner has voiced his frustration regarding a perceived unfair offer from Disney for a potential return to his role as Hawkeye.

During a recent appearance on the “High Performance” podcast, the actor revealed details about the company’s approach for a second season of the Disney+ series “Hawkeye.” According to Renner, Disney proposed a salary that was significantly lower than what he earned during the show’s initial season.

Details of the Offer

Renner detailed the offer, stating, “They asked me to do a season two, and they offered me half the money. And I’m like, wow. It’s going to take me twice the amount of work for half the amount of money. Essentially, that’s eight months of my time for half the pay.” This revelation highlights the actor’s dissatisfaction with the negotiation process.

Reflections on His Career

The actor also made a poignant remark about his value as a performer post-accident. He noted, “I’m like, ‘Why? ‘Cause you think I’m only half the Jeremy ’cause I got ran over?'” This statement references the traumatic snowplow accident he endured on January 1, 2023, which left him with serious injuries.

Renner emphasized that his comments were directed at Disney’s financial team rather than Marvel itself. He elaborated, saying, “And this is not Marvel, mind you, this is just Disney – not even really Disney, it’s just the penny pinchers, the accountants. I told them to go fly a kite at their insult offer. We didn’t see eye to eye on that.”

Loyalty to the Character

Despite the disappointment over the financial offer, Renner expressed his enduring affection for the Hawkeye character. He stated, “I still love the character and I would enjoy reprising the role, but I had to defend myself.”

The actor clarified that he had not asked for a raise but simply expected to be compensated fairly for his work. “I didn’t ask for any more money, mind you. It was just ‘pay me what I made the first season.’” He conveyed his frustration, indicating that being undervalued is disheartening, but he remains optimistic about moving forward.

Current Status of Disney’s Response

As of now, Disney has not publicly responded to Renner’s claims regarding the offer. The company did forward a statement to Hollywood Reporter challenging Renner’s assertions.

The initial season of “Hawkeye” premiered on Disney+ in November 2021, gaining positive reviews and maintaining a loyal viewership. Renner’s portrayal in various Marvel films, including several “Avengers” movies and “Captain America: Civil War,” solidified his status as a key figure in the franchise.

Looking Ahead to Future Projects

Fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Marvel series, titled “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is slated for release in May 2026. However, as of now, Renner has not been confirmed to join the cast.

In the midst of professional challenges, Renner is also working on promoting his new memoir titled “My Next Breath.” This book chronicles his life since the near-fatal snowplow accident, reflecting on his experiences and insights gained from the ordeal.

A Near-Death Experience

In his memoir, Renner shares harrowing details about the accident, describing the moment he felt his life slipping away. He wrote, “As I lay on the ice, my heart rate slowed, and right there, on that New Year’s Day, unknown to my family and friends, I just got tired.”

He continued, describing how he was unaware of how gravely injured he was. “After about 30 minutes on the ice, of breathing manually for so long… that’s when I died,” he explained, emphasizing the surreal nature of his near-death experience.

Renner reflected on the sensations surrounding his death, stating, “What I felt was energy, a constantly connected, beautiful and fantastic energy. There was no time, place, or space, and nothing to see, except a kind of electric, two-way vision made from strands of that inconceivable energy.”

He elaborated on this experience, saying, “In death there was no time, no time at all, yet it was also all time and forever.” Renner’s vivid recollections provide a glimpse into his remarkable journey toward recovery.

The Road to Recovery

Renner is determined to make a full recovery, and his recent reflections showcase both vulnerability and strength. The support from his fans continues to play a crucial role in his healing process.

The incident and his resulting experience have profoundly impacted his outlook on life, with Renner now embracing a deeper appreciation for every moment.

The story of Jeremy Renner encompasses resilience, the quest for fair treatment, and a passion for the arts that he has shown throughout his career.

His ongoing narrative not only illustrates the complexities of Hollywood negotiations but also emphasizes the profound human experience navigating heartache and healing.

This actor’s journey continues to resonate with many, inspiring those facing their own challenges.