Disney ‘considered replacing’ Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in MCU following ex-wife allegations

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Louise Thomas

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Disney reportedly considered replacing Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after he was accused of threatening to kill his ex-wife in a new custody filing.

According to several known Hollywood “scoopers”, including Daniel RPK, the studio is said to be have “considered options” in case it was decided to cast somebody else in the role.

According to TMZ, Sonni Pacheco – who married and split from the actor in 2014 – made the allegations against Renner in new papers filed as part of a battle over the custody of their six-year-old daughter.

Pacheco makes several claims against Renner in the documents, alleging that he talked about killing her and himself.

She claims that, in one instance, Renner allegedly put a gun in his mouth and threatened to take his own life before shooting at the ceiling.

Renner has denied the allegations. In documents acquired by TMZ and filed by the actor’s lawyers, he calls Pacheco an “unstable liar”.

A representative for Renner told The Independent: “The well-being of his daughter Ava has always been and continues to be the primary focus for Mr Renner.

“This is a matter for the court to decide. It’s important to note the dramatisations made in Ms Pacheco’s declaration are a one-sided account made with a specific goal in mind.”

Despite the claims that Disney considered casting someone else, it’s believed bosses have decided against the idea and will permit Renner to appear in future Marvel films.

He’ll also head up a new Disney+ TV show focused on his character and Kate Bishop, a young girl he trains up to be a new version of Hawkeye.

Find a list of everything joining Disney’s new streaming service here.