Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are shaping up to be unlike anything we've ever seen before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While exciting crossovers and jaw-dropping team-ups are at the core of this interconnected superhero narrative, this will be the first time that the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Earth's Mightiest Heroes cross paths on the big screen. As if that wasn't enough, there's room for any character across the multiverse to unexpectedly join the fight against Doom and make audiences jump out of their seats in excitement. Anyone could show up when we least expect them, which is why we're all eager to find out the full cast for both movies.
Over 25 characters have been announced to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealing that even more are yet to be revealed. But while the anticipated crossover will undoubtedly be very stacked, fans are starting to worry that some of their favorite heroes will miss out on the adventure. The fate of heavy-hitters like Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch remains unknown, though rumors suggest that they won't be in the film. To make matters worse, an iconic Marvel star has confirmed that their character won't be in either Doomsday or Secret Wars, despite being a consistent member of the Avengers since the very beginning of the MCU.
Jeremy Renner confirms Hawkeye won't appear in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars
The unthinkable is about to happen: an Avengers movie will release without Hawkeye being part of it. After joining Earth's Mightiest Heroes for four movies in a row, Clint Barton will have a bit of breathing room, as revealed by the star behind the iconic character. Talking with the Breakfast Club, Jeremy Renner was asked whether we'll get to see him in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, to which he replied a clear and concise "no",
Renner doubled down on his absence when Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson, asked him whether he would be in Doomsday, and he denied his involvement yet again. Thor, Hulk, and Hawkeye were the only heroes who had the chance of appearing in all six crossover movies, so it's disappointing to learn that the latter won't get to hold on to this record. However, recent rumors and announcements had already given us an idea that multiple street-level heroes wouldn't have a role to play in Marvel's upcoming epic, so it only made sense that Clint Barton was the next to join that list.
For starters, Charlie Cox revealed that Daredevil won't appear in Doomsday or Secret Wars, with a report indicating that the Defenders as a whole will be missing as well. Furthermore, multiple sources have revealed that Tom Holland's Spider-Man won't join Earth's Mightiest Heroes either, much to fans' shock. To top things off, Oscar Isaac confirmed that newcomer Moon Knight will miss out on the upcoming crossover as well.
For the time being, it would appear that Marvel will sideline many street-level heroes in Avengers: Doomsday. Characters who haven't been involved in any multiversal storyline are at risk of missing out on the adventure, which makes sense considering how they haven't been affected by the MCU's ongoing arc (with the exception of Spider-Man, that is). Besides, the movie is already pretty stacked thanks to the participation of the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and New Avengers, so it only makes sense that a few fan-favorites had to be cut.
Fortunately, there are a few street-level heroes who could still join Earth's Mightiest Heroes in their upcoming adventures. Leaked concept art revealed that the Young Avengers will make their debut in Avengers: Doomsday, meaning Hawkeye's protégé Kate Bishop will get some of the spotlight to herself. She's been reported to lead the new team alongside Captain Marvel, which means the two could have an important role to play. So, even if Clint Barton himself doesn't make an appearance in the anticipated film, there's a big chance that his successor will try to fill in his absence.
Jeremy Renner recently revealed that he and Marvel are finally trying to make the second season of Hawkeye a reality, so we could see more of the iconic hero in the upcoming years, even if it isn't in the Avengers movies. With a bit of luck, Marvel will unveil what projects are in store after the end of the Multiverse Saga not too long from now, and we'll finally learn more about Clint Barton's future.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on Dec. 18, 2026.