Is Marvel Recasting Hawkeye? Jeremy Renner's 'Avengers: Doomsday' Absence Fuels Fan Theories

Jeremy Renner has confirmed he will not appear in Avengers: Doomsday, prompting fresh questions about Hawkeye's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, while fans may speculate about a replacement or a bigger role for Kate Bishop, Marvel has not announced that Clint Barton will be recast.

Renner has played the expert archer since 2011 and was one of the original Avengers. His absence from the upcoming film has therefore raised questions about the character's future, particularly as Marvel prepares another major crossover event. Here is what is confirmed about Renner's involvement and what remains fan speculation.

Confirmed: Jeremy Renner Says He Is Not in 'Avengers: Doomsday'

Renner has directly addressed whether he will appear in the upcoming Avengers film. 'No, no, no, no. Not in that one,' he said when asked about returning for Doomsday. The actor then joked that the Avengers would probably lose without him.

'Doomsday, I'm not in, so the Avengers will probably lose, just so you know ... they didn't call me, so it's their fault,' Renner joked. 'They're going to lose.'

His remarks provide the clearest indication of his current involvement: Renner says he is not in the film. Marvel has not announced a replacement actor for Clint Barton, and his absence should not be treated as proof that the character has been recast.

However, Renner's comments also do not establish that he has permanently left the MCU. They concern Avengers: Doomsday, rather than every possible future appearance as Hawkeye.

Fan Theory: Could Marvel Replace Clint Barton?

The possibility of a new Hawkeye has prompted discussion among fans, but there is no verified casting announcement to support the theory. One reason the idea attracts attention is that Marvel has already introduced Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld, in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. Kate is a skilled archer who learns from Clint and represents a potential continuation of the Hawkeye legacy.

However, Kate Bishop is a separate character, not a recast version of Clint Barton. Her possible return in a future Avengers film would not mean Marvel had replaced Renner. What is confirmed: Kate Bishop has been introduced in the MCU and trained alongside Clint.

What remains unconfirmed is whether she will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, whether Clint will return in a later film, or whether Marvel intends to recast the character.

Why Fans Are Questioning Hawkeye's Future

Renner's absence is notable because Clint has been part of the MCU for more than a decade. Although he lacks the superhuman powers of many fellow Avengers, his combat skills and experience have made him an important member of the team.

His story continued in Hawkeye, which also established his relationship with Kate. That series offered a possible route for the character's legacy to continue, even if Renner eventually steps away from the role.

Renner has also spoken publicly about negotiations for a potential second season of Hawkeye. In 2025, he said he had declined an offer that would have paid him half his previous salary. That discussion prompted questions about the series' future, but it does not confirm that Marvel plans to replace him in the films.

What Happens Next for Hawkeye?

For now, the distinction is straightforward: Renner says he is not appearing in Avengers: Doomsday, but Marvel has not confirmed that Clint Barton has been recast. Fans may continue to debate whether Kate Bishop will take on a larger role or whether Clint will return in a future MCU project.

Until Marvel or Renner provides further information, however, those possibilities remain unconfirmed. Renner's joke that the Avengers will lose without him may have added to the conversation, but it is not evidence of a new Hawkeye. The character's long-term future remains open.