‘His job is being a barometer of truth’: Jeremy Renner worked hard to revitalize Hawkeye for his big MCU return

Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton has been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Thor, where he began his venture in the vast continuity with a cameo. He started as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and eventually transitioned into an Avenger in Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, even with a strong arc, he missed a solo takeout after being part of epic crossovers for over a decade. That came to fruition with Hawkeye, Marvel Studios’ 2021 miniseries that put Clint Barton at the forefront. It was a great continuation of the twist his character had received in Avengers: Endgame. With Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner and Clint Barton were now among the leads of the MCU.

Heather Quinn, the series writer, said that it was an incredible experience to work with an actor of Renner’s caliber. She spoke about how Renner tried to articulate this new phase in his character’s arc and perform it with a true understanding. Talking to CBR, she said,

“It’s been incredible to get to work with that caliber of an actor. But I think that’s a great example of [where] I have this story in my mind for a year and a half or so, and I have this character that I’m trying to understand from my perspective. But he’s on the inside. And so he speaks a lot about how he feels like his job is being a barometer of truth and that he can only really perform something well if it feels true to him. So we would work from there a lot.”

Renner did a great job with Hawkeye. The series deftly explored his grief that remained hidden amidst the chaos post-Endgame, and the increasing conflict between his past and his duty as a father was finally given a more substantial form. Interestingly, Hawkeye also addressed the concern of the lack of limelight on the character. His protege, Kate Bishop, jokingly blames ‘marketing problems’ that keep Barton from receiving the same degree of attention other Avengers receive. Most importantly, Kate Bishop addressed how Barton imparts “inspiration” by being a valiant Avenger despite not possessing any superpowers, creating a great dynamic between them.

Now, a book featuring all behind-the-scenes happenings, additional material, and interviews will unravel how Hawkeye came to fruition. Coming out on May 16 and published by Titan Comics, Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye: The Official Collector Special will take behind the scenes of the production of the hit Disney+ series. It will take us through the high-octane, action-powered production of Hawkeye, which was set amidst the Christmas snow.

The official synopsis says:

“In Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye, Avenger Clint Barton must confront his past as the vigilante Ronin as he takes on a protégé in the form of a young archer named Kate Bishop while trying to reunite with his family for Christmas. Lavishly illustrated with stunning behind-the-scenes images, Jeremey Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, Vincent D’Onofrio, and other members of the cast and crew, including the team responsible for the high-octane action sequences and the cast of Rogers: The Musical, reveal the secrets behind the creation of the hit Disney+ series.”

Jeremy Renner has become a real-life hero for his fans after surviving and quickly recovering well from a snowplow accident that severely injured him. Now that he is getting better, he’ll hopefully circle back to MCU and continue with another appearance in the forthcoming Avengers movies.