Robert Downey Jr.’s surprise return to Marvel leaves Jeremy Renner in the dark
A shocking revelation for the Avengers family
In a recent interview, Jeremy Renner revealed his surprise at the news that Robert Downey Jr. will be making a comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Renner, who portrays Hawkeye, and Downey, known for his iconic role as Iron Man, have shared the screen in several Marvel films since 2012’s The Avengers. Despite their close friendship, Downey kept his return a secret from Renner and the other original Avengers, including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson.
The unexpected news
Renner expressed his astonishment, saying, “No! I had no idea. The son of a bitch didn’t say anything to me. We’re good friends. There’s the Avengers family chat. The original six. He said not a peep. I got online and started blowing up his phone like, ‘What’s going on? You’ve been hiding this from us the whole time?’ It’s exciting news. I’m really, really excited about it.”
The return of Iron Man as Doctor Doom
Downey’s return is not just a simple comeback; he is set to play the villainous Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers films, 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday and 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars. Renner hinted that he might also return to the MCU, potentially facing off against Downey’s new character. “You got Downey back in the mix, you got the Russo Brothers back in the mix. This is a direction where Marvel is going to do well,” Renner commented. “The Avengers movies have always been fan favorites and there’s so many wonderful characters in them. It’s going to be challenging to get everyone together. But I am excited about it. We’ll see. I think we’ll probably be doing it. It’s all brand new. They just made the announcement. They got to start figuring it out.”
Renner’s road to recovery
Renner’s last appearance as Hawkeye was in the Hawkeye series on Disney+. Since then, he has been recovering from a severe snow plow accident in 2023, which left him with multiple injuries, including broken ribs, a fractured tibia, and a broken clavicle. Despite these challenges, Renner remains optimistic about his return to the MCU. “I’m always game. I’m gonna be strong enough, that’s for sure. I’ll be ready,” he said. “All those [Marvel] guys come to my bedside and they’ve been with me all along through this recovery, so … if they want me, they could have me. It would be something.”
The future of the MCU
The return of Downey and the potential involvement of Renner and other original Avengers signal an exciting new chapter for the MCU. With the Russo Brothers back at the helm, fans can expect a thrilling and action-packed continuation of the Avengers saga. The challenge will be to bring together the vast array of characters that have become beloved by audiences worldwide.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this news is a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Marvel universe. The intricate storytelling, complex characters, and epic battles have captivated viewers for over a decade. As the MCU continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these new developments shape the future of the franchise.
Personal reflections
As a long-time fan of the MCU, the news of Downey’s return is both surprising and exhilarating. His portrayal of Iron Man has been a cornerstone of the franchise, and seeing him take on a new role as a villain adds an intriguing twist. Renner’s enthusiasm and commitment to his character, despite his recent challenges, are truly inspiring. The camaraderie among the original Avengers cast is evident, and it adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationships.
For those who have followed the MCU from the beginning, this news is a testament to the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its roots. The anticipation for the upcoming Avengers films is palpable, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these new storylines unfold.
In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest Marvel trailers and updates by visiting the links provided. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the MCU continues to offer something for everyone, and the future looks brighter than ever.
Watch Renner’s interview with US Weekly in the video below.