Jeremy Renner recently told US Weekly that he was surprised by the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Renner’s Hawkeye and Downey’s Iron Man have appeared together in several Marvel films dating back to 2012’s “The Avengers.” The two remain close friends, but Downey has not told Renner or any of the original “Avengers” cast (Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson) that he will be returning to the MCU as the villain Doctor Doom.
“No! I had no idea. The son of a bitch didn’t say anything to me,” Renner said. “We’re good friends. There’s the Avengers family chat. The original six. He said nothing. I went online and started blowing up his phone like, ‘What’s going on? You’ve been hiding this from us this whole time?’ It’s exciting news. I’m really excited about it.”
Downey may not be the only one returning to Marvel for the next two “Avengers” films: 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday” and 2027’s “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Renner, whose last MCU appearance was on the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” told US Weekly that he may return to the Avengers and face Downey’s Doctor Doom, though it’s too early to tell.
“Downey is back in business, the Russo brothers are back in business. This is the direction Marvel is going to go. The Avengers have always been a fan favorite, and there are so many great characters in them. It’s going to be hard to get everyone together. But I’m excited about it. We’ll see. I think we probably will. It’s all brand new. They just announced it. They have to start figuring it out.”
Renner hasn’t played Hawkeye since his 2023 snowplow accident. The actor was hospitalized with severe chest trauma and bone injuries, including eight broken ribs in 14 places, a fractured left tibia, left ankle, right collarbone, right shoulder, and more. Renner told Entertainment Tonight earlier this year that physical therapy has made him healthy enough to play Hawkeye again.
“I’m always ready. I’m going to be strong enough, that’s for sure. I’m going to be ready,” Renner said of returning to Marvel. “All that stuff [Marvel] “Guys come to my bedside and have been with me throughout recovery, so… if they want me, they can have me. That would be great.”
Watch Renner's interview with US Weekly in the video below.
