In 2012, The Avengers introduced expert archer Clint Barton, AKA Hawkeye, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The role was taken on by The Hurt Locker actor Jeremy Renner. Since his first appearance in The Avengers, Renner went on to star in a number of other Marvel films, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. He also lent his voice to the animated version of his character in the show What If…?. Then, in 2021, Renner received his own show when Hawkeye was made for Disney+.
On June 23, Marvel fans around the world began panicking when #RIPjeremyrenner began trending on social media. A story was shared that Renner had died in a “freak escalator accident.” The story quickly went viral and fans started sharing their heartbreak at the sudden loss. However, it was one big lie. Jeremy Renner is alive and well, and the story was a complete lie.
That quickly led to Twitter being called out for not moderating posts more carefully to prevent false stories from being spread.
The fact that #RIPJeremyRenner is trending on Twitter despite Jeremy Renner being 100% alive tells you all you need to know about Twitter’s ability to moderate content these days.
The fact that #RIPJeremyRenner is trending on Twitter despite Jeremy Renner being 100% alive tells you all you need to know about Twitter's ability to moderate content these days.
— Jeremy Goldman (@jeremarketer) June 23, 2023
The story of Renner’s death ended up being a big hoax. But it’s possible that people were quick to believe the rumor of Renner’s death, since the Marvel actor did almost die earlier this year. On January 1, Renner was airlifted to a hospital in Nevada after being critically injured in a snowplow accident. The actor broke nearly three dozen bones and suffered from blunt force trauma to the chest.
Thankfully, Renner is on the mend and doing well. He has shared videos during his healing journey, from his time on the mend in the hospital to receiving physical therapy. Renner has credited some of his healing with the fact that he now has another show on Disney+ called Rennervations. The show features Renner visiting various communities in need and recommissioning government vehicles for them to use.
At this time, we don’t know if there will be a season 2 of Hawkeye or if Renner will be in. The show also starred Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. Bishop idolized Hawkeye and becomes one of the key players in the Young Avengers. It is possible that, if there is a season 2, it will focus more on Bishop and less on Clint.
