The Avengers might be heading toward their biggest defeat yet, and Jeremy Renner has a hilariously simple explanation for why: nobody thought to call Hawkeye.
Hawkeye’s Absence Has Become An MCU Running Joke
Renner has announced that he is not returning as Clint Barton for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, in which Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will be facing off against Doctor Doom. In a Q&A session, Renner confirmed that he wouldn’t appear in the film, which is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
Related: ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Director Explains Why Doctor Doom Is So Difficult To Defeat
“Doomsday, I’m not in,” the actor said before adding, “So, the Avengers will probably lose, just so you know. They didn’t call me, so it’s their fault they’re gonna lose.” This has been a running joke among Marvel fans for a while, about Hawkeye’s lack of participation in certain big Marvel battles.
Let’s face it: Hawkeye isn’t typically the first character people think of when the fate of the multiverse hangs in the balance. A bow and arrow may not seem to be a very comforting weapon against a foe as great as Doctor Doom.
But Clint Barton has shown that his shooting prowess isn’t the only thing he can contribute to a team. He is one of the original Avengers and has been a key member of their team, helping them to secure numerous victories. With Hawkeye seemingly missing out on another big Avengers event, Renner is providing another excuse for fans to make that joke.
Could Hawkeye Return For ‘Secret Wars’?
Renner won’t be a part of ‘Doomsday’, but his future in the MCU is not necessarily dead. The actor had previously said that he was interested in returning for a second season of Hawkeye, but it is unclear whether that will happen.
In case you missed it: Marvel Might Have Revealed Spider-Man As Doctor Doom’s Biggest Blind Spot
That means that‘ Avengers: Secret Wars‘, which is set to release on December 17, 2027, is another potential chance for Clint Barton to return to the fray. As of yet, fans will have to see if the Avengers can survive Doctor Doom without their sharpest archer. And if they don’t, Renner has already made it clear who he’ll be blaming.
You might like to read: The Real Reason Marvel May Be Holding Back ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’
