Jeremy Renner Makes a Return to Marvel Since Snowplough Accident

Jeremy Renner, the acclaimed actor behind Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has made a triumphant return to the franchise following a harrowing snowplough accident that left fans concerned about his future in the iconic role. The eagerly awaited comeback occurred in Season 2, Episode 3 of the animated series “What If…?”, marking Renner’s first reprisal of the character since the unfortunate incident almost a year ago.

Jeremy Renner Makes a Return to Marvel

The Road to Recovery

Just under a year ago, Renner faced a life-altering moment when a snowplough accident led to a significant leg injury, requiring emergency surgery. The severity of the situation was such that it could have jeopardized his life. However, Renner demonstrated remarkable resilience, undergoing weeks of recovery and returning to his normal routine.

In June, Renner expressed his unwavering commitment to Marvel at a convention, stating that if the studio called for future projects, he would be there “in a heartbeat.” His dedication to the role and the franchise became evident, proving that his passion for portraying Hawkeye remained undiminished despite the challenges.

What If…? Season 2: A Welcomed Return (Spoiler Alert!)

The third episode of What If…? Season 2, titled “What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?,” brought Renner back into the Marvel fold. While it remains unclear whether his lines were recorded pre-accident or during recovery, the animated nature of the show allowed for a seamless integration of Hawkeye’s character. In this particular episode, all six original Avengers made appearances, though not all were voiced by their live-action counterparts. Hawkeye, portrayed by Renner, featured prominently in a humorous scene where he clashed with Bruce Banner over an Iron Man action figure, echoing a memorable moment from Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Renner’s return in animated form opens up exciting possibilities for the actor and the character. The nature of voice acting doesn’t demand the same physical demands as live-action, making it a feasible avenue for Renner to contribute to future MCU projects without compromising his ongoing recovery. The episode serves as a reminder that Renner’s association with Hawkeye could extend beyond the traditional live-action format. Even before physically returning to the screen, he could lend his voice to animated projects like Marvel Zombies, aligning with his expressed desire to continue his journey in the Marvel universe.

A precedent for this exists in Michael Rooker’s case, who voiced his character in an animated segment of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special without appearing in the live-action segment. While specific circumstances surround such occurrences, it remains a tantalizing prospect for Renner’s potential involvement.

Looking Ahead

As fans eagerly await more developments in Renner’s MCU journey, the animated landscape proves to be a promising avenue for continued storytelling. Regardless of the timing of his recorded lines for What If…?, Jeremy Renner’s return is a testament to his dedication to the beloved character and the expansive Marvel universe. What If…? Season 2 continues to captivate audiences on Disney+, with new episodes released daily until December 30. For those wanting to catch up on the action, all episodes from the first and second seasons are available for streaming on the platform.

In the wake of Renner’s return, the Marvel community remains optimistic about the potential for more exciting developments in the ever-expanding MCU. As the actor takes on the challenge of rebuilding Hawkeye’s legacy, fans can anticipate a future where the character thrives, whether in live-action or animated form.