The future of Hawkeye on Disney+ has taken a sharp turn—and not because of lack of fan interest. Jeremy Renner, who brought Clint Barton to life across the Marvel Cinematic Universe and headlined the character’s first solo series, has turned down returning for a second season. The reason? A significantly reduced paycheck.
Renner’s Candid Comments on the Offer
In a recent episode of the High Performance podcast, Renner spoke candidly about what went down behind the scenes. According to the actor, Marvel—or more specifically, the financial decision-makers behind the project—offered him half the salary he received for Season 1 to reprise his role. That proposal, Renner says, was a non-starter.
“Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got run over?” he asked, referencing his life-threatening snowplow accident in January 2023 that left him with over 30 broken bones and required months of intensive recovery.
Renner clarified that he doesn’t blame Marvel Studios or Disney executives directly. Instead, he believes the undervaluation came from “pencil pushers” and cost-cutting accountants trying to manage budgets amid tightening streaming economics.
The Fallout From His 2023 Accident
The timing of the reduced offer has raised eyebrows. After Renner’s accident, which kept him out of work for most of 2023, fans were already unsure if he would ever return to acting. His powerful recovery and return to the public eye was seen as a triumph. But the salary dispute suggests studios may be hesitant to commit to the same level of compensation for an actor with recent health concerns—regardless of their on-screen legacy.
Renner, however, has made it clear: he’s fully capable and ready to work again—but not at a discount. “It’s not a money grab. It’s about respect,” he added.
Will There Be a Hawkeye Season 2?
Marvel Studios has not officially announced a second season of Hawkeye. Still, the door isn’t completely closed. Executive Brad Winderbaum recently mentioned that they see potential in the show’s characters and setting—particularly Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), who many fans expect to carry the bow going forward.
With Marvel shifting gears toward introducing younger heroes and fresh storylines through the Young Avengers, there’s a chance that Barton’s storyline may come to a quiet end, making way for Bishop and others. Still, the studio knows that Renner’s portrayal of Hawkeye remains a core part of the MCU’s heart, especially following Avengers: Endgame.
A Larger Industry Trend
Renner’s situation also reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry. With the rise of streaming, many studios have tightened budgets and shifted their compensation models. High-profile stars—especially those from legacy franchises—are increasingly finding themselves in negotiations that reflect this new paradigm.
The friction between actors and studios isn’t new, but it has intensified post-pandemic. Between box office volatility, streaming competition, and the 2023 Hollywood strikes, renegotiating contracts has become a more complicated and, at times, confrontational process.
Where Does This Leave Clint Barton?
For now, Clint Barton’s future in the MCU remains uncertain. Renner hasn’t ruled out returning—he emphasized he still loves the character and the fans—but only under terms that reflect his value and contribution.
In the meantime, Marvel seems to be keeping its options open. Whether that means a spinoff focusing solely on Kate Bishop or a team-up series under a different title, the spirit of Hawkeye may still have more arrows left in the quiver—even if Clint Barton decides to hang up his bow.
Key Takeaways
- Jeremy Renner rejected Marvel’s offer for Hawkeye Season 2 because they offered only half his previous salary.
- The actor suggested the reduced offer might be related to his snowplow accident, asking if they thought he was “only half the Jeremy.”
- The salary dispute exemplifies broader industry trends of tightening budgets for streaming content, even for established franchises like Marvel.
Jeremy Renner’s Decision and Salary Negotiations
The negotiations between Jeremy Renner and Marvel Studios over a second season of “Hawkeye” reportedly broke down due to financial disagreements. This situation reflects broader patterns in how Marvel compensates its talent across television and film properties.
Renner’s Initial Response to the Offer
When approached about returning for a potential second season of “Hawkeye,” Jeremy Renner allegedly expressed disappointment with Marvel’s initial offer. The actor, who has portrayed Clint Barton since 2011’s “Thor,” reportedly felt the compensation didn’t reflect his decade-long contribution to the MCU franchise.
Renner has been notoriously candid about business matters in the past. He previously made headlines for comments about equal pay that generated backlash, showing his willingness to speak openly about financial matters.
Industry insiders suggest Renner’s team countered with terms more aligned with film appearances rather than television work. Marvel’s transition to Disney+ programming created a new compensation structure that many veteran MCU actors have found challenging to navigate.
Reported Salary Figures and Industry Comparisons
While exact figures remain confidential, entertainment industry reports indicate Marvel offered Renner approximately $2-3 million for the second season – significantly below his standard film rate. For comparison, Renner reportedly earned $15 million for “Avengers: Endgame” with additional performance bonuses.
This disparity highlights Marvel’s different approach to compensating talent for streaming versus theatrical releases. The studio typically offers:
| Platform | Typical Compensation Range | Backend Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Films | $5-20 million | Yes |
| Disney+ Series | $1.5-5 million | Limited |
Other original Avengers actors faced similar negotiations when transitioning to Disney+ projects. However, Renner’s position was reportedly complicated by his lower billing status compared to some castmates.
Impact on the Future of ‘Hawkeye’
With negotiations stalled, Marvel has placed “Hawkeye” season two in indefinite limbo. Renner himself has admitted he doesn’t know what’s happening with the future of the series.
Brad Winderbaum, head of streaming, television, and animation at Marvel, acknowledged the show was designed as a limited series but left room for continuation. Recent positive updates about Hawkeye suggest the studio might be reconsidering options.
The salary standoff has broader implications for character development within the MCU. Kate Bishop’s story (played by Hailee Steinfeld) remains uncertain, with rumors suggesting Marvel might continue her arc in other projects rather than resolving the compensation issue with Renner.
Marvel’s reluctance to meet Renner’s terms also reflects their strategic shift toward developing newer, less expensive talent while phasing out original Avengers actors requiring premium salaries.
Behind-the-Scenes Influences on Hawkeye Season Two
The fate of Hawkeye’s second season was shaped by several key business decisions and industry practices within Marvel Studios. Financial considerations and contract structures played significant roles in determining why fans won’t see Jeremy Renner return.
Marvel Studios’ Approach to Disney+ Series Renewals
Marvel Studios has established a pattern for how they handle Disney+ series renewals. Unlike traditional television shows, MCU series often function as limited mini-series rather than ongoing productions. This approach allows Marvel to weave these stories into their larger cinematic universe without committing to multiple seasons.
For Hawkeye specifically, reports indicate filming for a potential second season might not begin until Fall 2025. This extended timeline demonstrates how the MCU operates on a different schedule than traditional TV.
Marvel’s strategy often resembles the Netflix model of content creation, prioritizing quality standalone stories over immediate renewals. This explains why many Disney+ shows end after a single season, focusing instead on character development that continues in films.
Cast Contract Structures and Negotiation Patterns
The financial aspects of Marvel’s talent deals significantly impacted Hawkeye’s future. Jeremy Renner revealed he was offered only half his Season 1 salary for a potential second season, which he considered an “insult offer.”
This type of salary reduction suggests Marvel may have been:
- Testing Renner’s commitment to the character
- Planning to reduce his role in favor of Kate Bishop
- Implementing budget cuts across Disney+ productions
Renner directly questioned the logic, asking executives if they thought he was “only half the Jeremy Renner” he was in Season 1. His rejection of the lower pay effectively halted production plans as they were originally conceived.
Industry insiders note this negotiation breakdown comes during a period of financial restructuring at Disney, with the company carefully evaluating the return on investment for high-budget streaming content.
Potential Impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Jeremy Renner’s decision to turn down a second season of Hawkeye due to salary issues creates ripple effects throughout Marvel’s storytelling universe. The absence of a continuation alters both character development paths and potential crossover opportunities.
Character Continuity for Hawkeye and the Avengers
Clint Barton’s journey in the MCU now faces uncertainty without a dedicated second season. His mentor relationship with Kate Bishop remains in limbo, potentially derailing what many fans saw as a slept-on dynamic with great potential.
The original Avengers lineup continues to dissolve. With Tony Stark gone, Black Widow deceased, and Thor’s storyline moving in cosmic directions, Hawkeye represented one of the last connections to the original team. His reduced presence impacts the MCU’s ability to maintain narrative threads from its founding era.
Despite this setback, Marvel has indicated that Hawkeye will return to the MCU in some capacity, though the format remains unclear. This suggests the character remains valuable to Marvel’s future plans.
Crossovers with Key MCU Figures and Storylines
The halted Hawkeye series limits potential crossovers with characters like Captain Marvel, Nick Fury, and Spider-Man. Kate Bishop’s character was positioned to potentially join newer superhero teams like the Champions or Young Avengers.
Salary disputes echo similar issues faced by other MCU stars like Scarlett Johansson, highlighting a broader pattern in Marvel’s talent negotiations. This could affect how Marvel approaches contracts with both established and rising stars.
The series had established street-level threats distinct from cosmic adventures, providing a grounded counterpoint to universe-threatening storylines. Without continuation, the MCU loses an avenue to explore more relatable human-scale conflicts.
These missed opportunities may force Marvel to rethink how they’ll introduce Kate Bishop to other key MCU figures, potentially delaying her integration into the broader universe.
Industry and Cultural Context
The entertainment landscape shifted dramatically during Hawkeye’s production and aftermath, influencing both the show’s reception and subsequent negotiations. Several industry trends played significant roles in Marvel’s decisions about its streaming content.
Shifts in Streaming Platforms and Superhero Content
Streaming wars intensified between 2021-2025, with platforms like Netflix aggressively competing against Disney+ for viewer attention. This competition forced studios to reconsider budget allocations for series versus films. Marvel’s streaming strategy evolved from treating shows as supplementary content to making them essential narrative components.
Production costs skyrocketed across the industry. A single episode of a superhero series now often exceeds $25 million, making studios cautious about renewals without guaranteed returns.
Viewer fatigue became measurable by 2024, with superhero content no longer guaranteeing automatic success. This trend likely influenced Marvel’s cautious approach to Hawkeye’s second season, offering Renner reduced compensation.
Previous Controversies Affecting Marvel Cast Members
Marvel Studios has navigated numerous talent controversies that established precedents for how the studio handles negotiations. Several actors faced backlash for past associations, including those who worked with Woody Allen despite allegations against him.
Pay disputes emerged as particularly thorny issues, with female stars like Scarlett Johansson fighting for compensation equal to male counterparts. This history likely complicated Renner’s negotiations.
The studio also weathered controversies involving cast members’ comments about sensitive topics including 9/11 and politics. These incidents established complex protocols for handling talent relationships.
Sexual assault allegations within the entertainment industry broadly affected how studios approach talent agreements and public relations, creating a more cautious negotiation environment where studios like Marvel increasingly hedge financial risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many details have emerged regarding the status of Hawkeye’s second season and Jeremy Renner’s role in the decision-making process. The following questions address the key aspects of the situation and provide clarity on what happened behind the scenes.
What are the reasons behind the cancellation of Hawkeye Season 2?
The primary reason for Hawkeye not receiving a second season appears to be salary negotiations. Jeremy Renner reportedly turned down Hawkeye Season 2 because Marvel offered him only half of what he earned for the first season.
This significant pay reduction was particularly controversial given Renner’s near-fatal accident in January 2023, when he was run over by a snowplow while helping a family member.
According to reports, Renner questioned the offer by asking, “Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?”
Has there been an official statement from the production regarding the future of Hawkeye?
Marvel Studios has not released an official statement specifically addressing the cancellation of Hawkeye Season 2. Jeremy Renner himself has been somewhat vague in public comments.
In an interview with Radio Times, Renner admitted he “doesn’t quite know what’s going on with the future of the Marvel series.” This suggests communication between the actor and studio might be limited at this stage.
The lack of a clear statement leaves the door technically open, though the salary dispute makes a second season with Renner unlikely.
What are the potential impacts of salary negotiations on Marvel series renewals?
Salary negotiations often play a crucial role in whether television series get renewed, and Marvel shows are no exception. When established stars like Renner face pay cuts, it can set concerning precedents for other actors.
Disney+ has reportedly been reducing budgets across its streaming content, which may have contributed to the lower offer for Renner. These financial decisions can directly impact the continuity of popular series.
The situation with Hawkeye demonstrates how even successful shows with strong fan reception can be halted when financial agreements cannot be reached.
Are there any discussions about recasting the role of Hawkeye for future Marvel projects?
There have been no credible reports about Marvel considering recasting Clint Barton/Hawkeye for future projects. The first season of Hawkeye introduced Kate Bishop (played by Hailee Steinfeld) as a potential successor to the Hawkeye mantle.
This storyline gives Marvel the option to continue the Hawkeye legacy without necessarily needing to recast Renner’s character. The studio could choose to focus on Kate Bishop’s journey instead.
Marvel typically avoids recasting major characters when the actors have become closely associated with the roles, preferring to write them out or pass mantles to new characters.
What has been the general response of fans to Jeremy Renner’s involvement in recent projects?
Fans have generally shown strong support for Jeremy Renner following his life-threatening accident in early 2023. His recovery journey and return to work have been met with positive reception.
Many viewers expressed disappointment at the news of his salary dispute with Marvel, with social media comments largely siding with the actor. Fans have questioned Disney’s decision to offer a reduced salary to an actor who has been part of the MCU since 2011.
The Hawkeye series itself received positive reviews, with many praising the chemistry between Renner and co-star Hailee Steinfeld.
How do actor salaries for streaming series compare to traditional network television shows?
Streaming series typically offer higher per-episode salaries for stars compared to traditional network shows. For established film actors like Renner entering television, the pay can be particularly substantial.
However, streaming shows often have fewer episodes per season (Hawkeye had only six) compared to traditional network seasons of 20+ episodes. This means that despite higher per-episode rates, the total season earnings might be lower.
Streaming platforms have recently been adjusting their financial models as subscription growth slows, leading to budget cuts that affect talent compensation. This industry-wide trend may have influenced Marvel’s reduced offer to Renner for a potential second season.
