Jeremy Renner’s future in the MCU has been up in the air after the recent accusations that he ‘tried to kill’ his ex-wife. The 48-year-old was recently caught in a wave of controversy when the battle for custody of his daughter with Sonni Pacheco turned ugly.
Having been part of the MCU since Kenneth Branagh’s Thor in 2011, Renner’s Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, has grown to be a huge part of the world’s highest-grossing franchise. Considering Hawkeye is one of the few OG Avengers still knocking around after Avengers: Endgame, most have assumed he’ll be sticking around in Phase 4.
While recent reports suggested the MCU is considering recasting the character, the House of Mouse is finally breaking its silence. According to The Independent, Disney considered axing Hawkeye but “will permit Renner to appear in future Marvel films”.
Talking about his run-in with Pacheco, a source told the site: “The well-being of his daughter Ava has always been and continues to be the primary focus for Mr Renner.
“This is a matter for the court to decide. It’s important to note the dramatisations made in Ms Pacheco’s declaration are a one-sided account made with a specific goal in mind.”
There were plenty of raised eyebrows when rumours first surfaced that Renner could be given the boot. You only have to look at comments on Twitter to see it was an unpopular idea among the fandom.
Fans know Disney+’s Hawkeye series is set to premiere in 2021 and will include Barton alongside the introduction of fan-favourite Kate Bishop. It would be relatively easy to write Clint out and have Bishop take up the mantle of the sharp-shooting hero (like she does in the comics). However, it would be a shame to close the door on such a long-standing member of the franchise.
The MCU is no stranger to scandals after James Gunn was famously fired from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. When archaic tweets of an offensive nature resurfaced, Gunn was promptly let go by the studio and it looked like it would be a decision that would stick.
However, after fan backlash and a united front from the Guardians stars, Gunn was rehired earlier this year to helm the upcoming threequel. For the time being, it looks like Renner will get to continue firing his bow and arrow as one of the MCU’s biggest names.
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[Featured Image: Disney]