Jeremy Renner Says Hawkeye Won’t Be in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, and Jokes the Team Is Doomed

Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton has been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since a brief cameo in 2011’s ‘Thor’. He went on to become one of the original Avengers, appearing across the team-up films and leading the 2021 Disney+ series ‘Hawkeye’ alongside Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop.

As Marvel gears up for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, fans have been wondering which veteran heroes will return. When the studio held its massive chair reveal event to unveil the cast, many familiar faces were confirmed, but Renner was notably absent from the lineup.

Now, the actor has seemingly put the question to rest. During a Q&A at Comic Con Liverpool, Renner was asked whether he would be returning for ‘Doomsday’, and he said firmly that he isn’t in the film.

He then delivered a cheeky prediction. Renner joked that, without Hawkeye, the Avengers will probably lose against Doctor Doom, adding that it’s Marvel’s own fault for not calling him.

The clip, which recently resurfaced online, quickly went viral and racked up hundreds of thousands of views. When Renner made his joke about the team losing, one audience member shouted out “again,” drawing laughs from the crowd.

Fans were quick to point out that Renner’s joke might actually have some truth to it. The Avengers came out on top in both ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, with Clint Barton fighting alongside them.

In ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, however, Hawkeye was nowhere to be found, and the team suffered its most devastating defeat. Renner returned for ‘Avengers: Endgame’, where the heroes finally emerged victorious.

Jeremy Renner says that he will not return as Hawkeye in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’. “I’m not in it, so the Avengers will probably lose, just so you know… [Marvel] didn’t call me, so it’s their fault. They’re going to lose.” https://t.co/jb3ixGLGYy

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 12, 2026

That pattern has made his comment a running joke among fans. If the trend continues, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes could be in serious trouble when they face Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. Despite his denial, not everyone believes him. Marvel actors are famous for keeping secrets, and some fans think Renner could be hiding a surprise appearance.

Back in August, while ‘Doomsday’ was undergoing additional photography, Renner shared an Instagram Story featuring a close-up of his Hawkeye suit. That post fueled speculation that he might have quietly filmed something for the movie.

Still, Clint Barton reportedly isn’t mentioned in a recent plot leak believed to be at least mostly accurate. For now, Renner’s own words appear to be the clearest answer fans will get.

Even if Hawkeye skips ‘Doomsday’, his MCU journey may not be over. It has been heavily rumored that Renner will return for ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, the follow-up arriving in December 2027.

Renner has previously described Hawkeye as a family man whose loyalty is never in doubt. Fans believe that sense of duty could easily bring the archer out of retirement for the franchise’s grand finale.

New trailer for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ In theaters December 18 https://t.co/1wsiTk1Nnv

— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) August 15, 2026

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is assembling nearly 60 heroes from across the multiverse, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and more. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the film opens in theaters on December 18.

With so many characters already involved, it’s not entirely surprising that some veterans are sitting this one out. Still, Renner’s absence will be felt by longtime fans who have followed Hawkeye since the very first Avengers film.

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