ANAHEIM — At the D23 Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase in Anaheim, California, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Walt Disney Imagineering Portfolio Executive Brent Strong officially confirmed that Jeremy Renner will reprise his role as Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, for the multi-world attraction “Avengers: Infinity Defense.” Scheduled to open in 2028 at Disney California Adventure, the announcement marks Renner’s first formal return to Marvel storytelling since the conclusion of his 2021 Disney+ series Hawkeye.
The announcement carries significant weight for both Disney’s theme park strategy and the trajectory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Beyond expanding the physical footprint of Avengers Campus, Feige revealed that footage of Renner and his co-stars for the attraction was captured directly on the London set of Avengers: Doomsday. This behind-the-scenes connection has immediately reignited intense industry and fan speculation regarding Renner’s potential return to live-action feature films as Marvel navigates its Phase 6 slate and prepares for a broader cinematic reset.
Inside ‘Avengers: Infinity Defense’ and Disney’s Theme Park Strategy
The “Avengers: Infinity Defense” dark ride represents the anchor of a major expansion slated to double the size of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure by 2028. The attraction combines massive physical sets with high-definition media screens to transport guests through iconic Marvel settings, including Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City. The narrative recruits park visitors into an urgent battle led by Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), who rallies a team of heroes to defeat “King Thanos” — a dangerous variant of the titan who prevailed over the Avengers in an alternate timeline.
Alongside Renner’s Hawkeye, the ride brings together a star-studded lineup of Marvel Cinematic Universe veterans, including Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. The attraction aims to merge the emotional resonance of the original “OG Avengers” with the newer generation of Marvel heroes represented by Vellani.
The 2028 California expansion will also feature a second major ride, “Stark Flight Lab.” Utilizing an innovative combination of linear tracks and dynamic robotic arms mounted on moving bases — technology previously teased in Disney’s We Call It Imagineering web series — the attraction positions visitors inside test vehicles under the instruction of superhero flight leaders. Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) have been confirmed as flight instructors for the experience.
This multi-attraction investment in California is part of a coordinated global push by Walt Disney Imagineering across international properties. At Shanghai Disneyland, construction has reached a major milestone with the installation of the final track piece for a dedicated Spider-Man roller coaster, while Hong Kong Disneyland is developing the “Avengers Research Testing Labs” interactive experience in its expanding Marvel zone.
The Production Connection: ‘Doomsday’ Filming and Live-Action Potential
While theme park announcements frequently focus on attraction mechanics and narrative lore, the revelation that Renner captured his “Infinity Defense” footage on the London set of Avengers: Doomsday has dominated discussion among industry analysts. The overlap indicates that Renner was present on set during production for the fifth Avengers feature film, pointing to a highly probable appearance in either Avengers: Doomsday or its follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for late 2027.
Renner’s presence on set aligns with subtle hints the actor dropped over recent months. On social media, Renner previously shared footage related to Doomsday, prompting speculation about his involvement. Although Marvel Studios has not officially added Renner to the film’s publicity cast list, his physical presence during studio production in London strongly suggests that Clint Barton remains an active element in Marvel’s overarching Multiverse Saga plans.
Speculation also extends to how Hawkeye might function within the evolving cinematic narrative. With Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop positioning herself to lead a younger cohort of heroes alongside Kamala Khan, Cassie Lang, Wiccan, and Speed, Clint Barton could serve as a vital veteran anchor or mentor figure. Alternatively, within the multiversal chaos of Battleworld anticipated in Secret Wars, Barton could appear in alternate forms before Marvel Studios executes its planned post-Phase 7 “reset.”
Hawkeye’s Trajectory and the Shift in Marvel’s Television Strategy
Renner’s debut as Clint Barton dates back to an uncredited cameo in 2011’s Thor, followed by his prominent inclusion in 2012’s The Avengers. Over more than a decade, Renner appeared in key crossover blockbusters, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. However, following the 2021 release of his standalone Disney+ series Hawkeye, the character’s future became uncertain.
In the aftermath of the streaming series, reports surfaced that Marvel Studios entertained concepts for a second season, but negotiations faltered and project momentum stalled. As Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel leadership initiated a broader strategic pivot to reduce the volume of live-action streaming series in favor of high-impact theatrical releases and themed experiences, a standalone second season for Hawkeye appeared increasingly unlikely.
The choice to reintegrate Renner through a flagship theme park attraction allows Disney to preserve the commercial value and fan affection for an original Avenger without committing to an expensive multi-episode television production. It provides a high-profile platform for Renner, whose high-visibility recovery from a life-threatening snowplow accident in early 2023 has made his public return to major entertainment projects a compelling human story.
Corporate Synergy and the Future of Marvel Experiences
The timing of Disney’s 2028 theme park rollouts reflects a calculated commercial strategy. With Avengers: Secret Wars anticipated in late 2027 as the climax of Phase 7, the 2028 launch of “Avengers: Infinity Defense” and “Stark Flight Lab” creates a powerful bridge between Marvel’s cinematic resolution and its location-based entertainment experiences.
By pairing legacy icons like Iron Man and Hawkeye with contemporary figures like Captain America (Mackie) and Ms. Marvel (Vellani), Disney ensures that its theme park attractions maintain relevance across multiple demographic generations. As Imagineering doubles the footprint of Avengers Campus in California, the physical parks serve as permanent institutional anchors for the franchise, keeping core characters accessible to fans regardless of film release schedules or streaming pivots.
Whether Renner’s performance in “Infinity Defense” leads directly to a major cinematic role or remains an exclusive theme park engagement, his return at D23 reaffirms that Hawkeye remains a central pillar of the Marvel brand as the studio heads into its next era.