In a shocking revelation, Jeremy Renner, known for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has accused Disney of slashing his salary for a proposed second season of the Disney+ series Hawkeye, claiming the decision was rooted in racial discrimination. In a May 2025 interview on the High Performance podcast, Renner disclosed that Disney offered him half his Season 1 salary, prompting him to reject the offer and forego the project. His additional claim, reported across platforms like X, that the pay cut was because “I’m white” has ignited a firestorm of debate, with fans and critics dissecting the actor’s allegations and Disney’s response. The controversy, unfolding ahead of Avengers: Doomsday’s 2026 release, raises questions about Renner’s future in the MCU and broader industry practices.

Renner’s tenure as Clint Barton began with 2011’s Thor, evolving through multiple Avengers films and culminating in the 2021 Hawkeye series, which introduced Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. The show’s success led to discussions of a second season, but Renner revealed that Disney’s offer was a dealbreaker. “They asked me to do Season 2, and they offered me half the money,” he said, noting the commitment would require eight months of work. “I’m like, ‘Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?’” Renner’s reference to his 2023 snowplow accident, which left him with over 30 broken bones, underscored his frustration, suggesting Disney undervalued him post-injury. He clarified that the decision came from “penny pinchers, the accountants,” not Marvel Studios, but his accusation of racial discrimination added a provocative layer.

Posts on X amplified Renner’s claim, with one user alleging, “Disney treats white actors like Black actors now, trying their best to pay them less money than they earned before.” Another called the offer “bull,” linking it to discrimination tied to Renner’s injuries, though the racial angle drew skepticism. Renner’s statement, as quoted in outlets like Variety, emphasized he sought only to maintain his Season 1 salary, not demand more. “I had to defend myself,” he said, expressing disappointment but openness to reprising Hawkeye if fairly compensated. A Disney insider, per The Hollywood Reporter, disputed Renner’s account but offered no specifics, leaving the discrimination claim unaddressed.

The accusation of racial bias has polarized reactions. Supporters argue Renner, an original Avenger, deserves respect, with one X post urging, “Sue them like Scarlett did, goddamn cheap ass Disney.” Critics, however, question the validity of his discrimination claim, noting that salary disputes are common and not necessarily racial. Industry observers point to other MCU actors, like Carrie Coon and John Malkovich, who cited low pay as reasons for declining Marvel roles, suggesting cost-cutting is a broader strategy. Renner’s near-fatal accident, detailed in his memoir My Next Breath, may have influenced Disney’s offer, as the physical demands of Hawkeye could strain his recovery. Yet, his assertion of racial discrimination lacks corroborating evidence, making it a contentious point.

Renner’s absence from the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal, which included stars like Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr., further fuels speculation about his MCU exit. While Marvel has hinted at additional casting announcements, Renner’s ongoing recovery and this dispute cast doubt on his return. The Hawkeye series, praised for its chemistry between Renner and Steinfeld, spawned the spinoff Echo, but Season 2’s cancellation reflects Disney’s hesitance to meet Renner’s terms. Fans on X expressed dismay, with one writing, “He’s such a great actor… Disney can afford to pay him right.”

As the controversy unfolds, Renner remains focused on his health and new projects, including his memoir. His love for Hawkeye endures, but his stand against Disney’s offer highlights tensions between talent and studios in the MCU’s evolving landscape. Whether his discrimination claim holds water or is a rhetorical jab, it has sparked a broader conversation about fair pay and representation. For now, Renner’s future as Hawkeye hangs in the balance, with fans hoping for a resolution that brings the archer back to the screen.