Summary
Jeremy Rennermay be best known for his role as Marvel’s Hawkeye, yet the actor’s 2021 crime show could be the superhero’s best unexpected replacement. Renner’s first official appearance asClint Barton aka Hawkeyecame in 2012 with the premiere of Marvel’s hit movie,The Avengers.For the next two decades, Renner reprised this role in a handful of successful films, the last being 2021’sBlack Widow.ThoughRenner has enjoyed a notable career outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it may be hard for audiences to become invested in the actor’s new projects - until now.
Since starring in 2021’s Disney+ series,Hawkeye,Jeremy Renner has only accumulated a handful of new, non-Marvel roles. Notably, Renner’s career suffered a brief hiatus in 2023 afterRenner was in a serious snow plow accidentthat resulted in 38 broken bones. Fortunately, Renner managed to recover and has since returned to both movies and television. AfterHawkeye,Renner will join Rian Johnson’sWake Up Dead Manand has appeared inThe Mayor of Kingstown.Though superhero lovers may not expect it,the latter project may be the ideal follow-up to Renner’s Hawkeye roles.

Marvel Already Explained Why Hawkeye Is REALLY on the Avengers (Despite Being “Useless”)
Hawkeye is far from the most powerful Avenger, but there’s a pretty funny reason as to why Earth’s Mightiest Heroes still keep him around.
Mayor Of Kingstown Is Now Jeremy Renner’s Main Ongoing Role After Hawkeye
How Mayor Of Kingstown Compares To Hawkeye
Hawkeye is Jeremy Renner’s most popular role, but the actor is clearly not letting himself be confined to the Marvel Universe. The actor has taken on a new ongoing role to replace Hawkeye, and that is Mike McLusky in the crime thriller,Mayor of Kingstown.The 2021 TV series tells the story of Kingstown, Michigan, a fictional town where conflicts constantly arise between street gangs and criminals and the local law enforcement. At the center of this is the McLusky family, and in particular, Mike McLusky, who must try to keep the peace and maintain justice for all involved.
In many ways, Renner’s Mike McLusky is the perfect replacement for Hawkeye. Both characters are heroes who are dedicated to creating peace in dangerous situations. The men may be stubborn and sardonic, but their hearts are big enough to continue fighting for what they believe in. What makes McLusky an upgrade though is the inclusion of real-world problems. Clint Barton’s biggest enemies are powerful aliens from the multiverse, whereasMcLusky goes up against systemic racism and police brutality. In this way, Renner is playing the same role but in a much more realistic and impactful story.

Mayor Of Kingstown Is Another Big Success For Jeremy Renner
What Makes Mayor Of Kingstown So Good
Another reason whyMayor of Kingstownis the ideal Hawkeye replacement is because it is successful. So far, the show has enjoyed three seasons, with each installment seemingly getting better and better reviews. At this time, Rotten Tomatoes reports that the show has 52% critics score, but an impressive 89% audience score. AlthoughMayor of Kingstownseason 4has yet to be confirmed, showrunner Hugh Dillon has discussed his belief that there is more story to tell, especially afterMayor of Kingstownseason 3’s ending. Ultimately,Mayor of Kingstownis proving to be a successful post-MCU project.
Although critics have argued that the series is too bleak and heavy-handed, audiences praiseMayor of Kingstown’sdarkness.

A notable aspect ofMayor of Kingstown’ssuccess is the passion of its audiences. Although critics have argued that the series is too bleak and heavy-handed, audiences praiseMayor of Kingstown’sdarkness.Mayor of Kingstownis often compared toThe Wirein its ability to showcase real issues unfolding in society, especially in relation to crime. Furthermore, those who have enjoyed Taylor Sheridan’s other dark Western series such as theYellowstonefranchise are much more inclined to likeMayor of Kingstown.Regardless of what critics have to say,Jeremy Renner’s crime dramahas been lifted by its dedicated viewers.
Will Jeremy Renner Play Hawkeye Again?
Renner Is Eager To Return As Hawkeye
Although Jeremy Renner has been focusing onMayor of Kingstown,he may still return to Hawkeye in the future. In an interview withEntertainment Tonight,Renner expressed that he is always eager to play the Marvel character.Renner said of Marvel, “if they want me, they could have me.” The only question that remains iswhat projects could Hawkeye return in. There is a long list of upcoming Marvel movies in the near future, but Hawkeye has to have a reason to return. This opportunity could arise in 2026’sAvengers: Doomsdayor somewhere else.
Avengers: Doomsdayis set for release on June 24, 2025.
Either way, it would be a treat to see Jeremy Renner return to his bow and arrow as Hawkeye. Marvel has faced many changes and conflicts in the past few years, and seeing a familiar face might bring some nostalgia. On the other hand,it could also be time for Renner to hang up his superhero costumelike many of his other co-stars and pursue other projects likeMayor of Kingstown.No matter whatJeremy Rennerchooses, audiences will likely be happy to see him wherever he lands.
Mayor of Kingstown
Cast
Mayor of Kingstown, released in 2021, is a crime thriller series set in a small Michigan town where the McClusky family wields influence among police, criminals, and politicians. As power brokers, they navigate the complexities of a community reliant on the business of incarceration.
