Why Hawkeye Season 2 Hasn’t Materialized — And Its Implications for the MCU
Marvel Studios’ 2021 Disney+ miniseries Hawkeye turned out to be an unexpected success among audiences and critics alike. With Jeremy Renner reprising his role as Clint Barton and Hailee Steinfeld introduced as Kate Bishop, the series combined action, humor, and emotional storytelling in a grounded, street-level Marvel narrative. Given its popularity and the undeniable chemistry between the leads, many anticipated that a second season would soon follow. However, more than three years on, there’s still no official word from Marvel regarding Hawkeye Season 2 — and recent remarks from Renner may finally clarify the situation.
Jeremy Renner Discusses Season 2 Negotiations
In a revealing conversation on The High Performance Podcast (shared via TikTok), Jeremy Renner disclosed that Marvel and Disney had reached out to him about returning for a second season of Hawkeye. Yet, the proposal included a substantial pay reduction — reportedly only half of what he received for the first season.
“They approached me to do a season 2, and they offered me half of what I made,” Renner shared. “And I’m like, ‘Wow, it’s gonna require me twice the effort for half the pay and eight months of my life, essentially. And I have to commit to it for half the pay.’”
Renner hinted that his nearly fatal snow plow accident in early 2023 might have played a role in the studio’s decision to propose a lower salary. “Did you think I’m only half of Jeremy now, because I got run over?” he joked during the interview.
Even with the disappointing offer, Renner expressed that he holds no resentment towards Marvel Studios or Disney as a whole. Instead, he criticized the “penny pinchers” and “accountants” operating behind the scenes. He reaffirmed his enduring affection for the character of Hawkeye and indicated a willingness to return — under the right conditions.
The Fallout: Implications for Hawkeye and the MCU
Renner’s statements bring to light a wider issue within the entertainment sector: the conflict between creative aspirations and financial realities. While Marvel is well-known for its blockbuster budgets and star-studded ensembles, the streaming arena has compelled studios to reassess the cost-effectiveness of their endeavors.
For Hawkeye enthusiasts, the news is a mixture of hope and disappointment. On one side, it’s evident that Renner still possesses a passion for the role and is open to a return. Conversely, the financial stalemate indicates that a second season may not be actively in the works — at least not with Renner leading the charge.
Introducing Kate Bishop: The Future of Hawkeye?
A pivotal takeaway from the inaugural season of Hawkeye was the successful introduction of Kate Bishop, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld. Her character quickly gained a strong fan following, leading to speculation that she would ultimately assume the Hawkeye mantle in the MCU.
With Renner’s future uncertain, Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop could emerge as the fresh face of the franchise. This shift would align with Marvel’s broader strategy of ushering in a new generation of heroes, encompassing characters like Ms. Marvel, Ironheart, and the Young Avengers.
Interestingly, Renner’s name was missing from the recent Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement, raising additional questions about his future within the MCU. However, this doesn’t necessarily rule out his appearance in the forthcoming crossover films, including Avengers: Secret Wars.
Conclusion: A Waiting Game for Fans
While the possibility for Hawkeye Season 2 isn’t entirely closed off, Jeremy Renner’s insights underscore the intricate negotiations that occur behind the scenes of even the most cherished franchises. For now, fans must bide their time to see if Marvel manages to find a way to bring Clint Barton back — or if the mantle will officially be handed to Kate Bishop.
Regardless of the outcome, Hawkeye remains a notable addition to the Marvel Disney+ offerings, and its legacy continues to shape the ever-evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe.
