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Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker, North Country) recently spoke with Empire magazine, and he hinted at a possible role for him in the Marvel universe. The Empire chaps suspected the hero in question was Captain America, but Renner surprised them when he revealed instead that he may be up for Hawkeye.

I don’t know if I’d be right for Captain America… I met with the Marvel guys, actually, but we didn’t talk about Captain America. But one of the writers, Zak Penn… he was thinking maybe Hawkeye could be interesting. He sounds like an interesting character.”

I’m no real comic-book fan, but even with my limited knowledge of the characters I’d have to agree with Renner’s assessment. Hawkeye is probably most similar to DC’s Green Arrow, a hero who preceded him by over twenty years, but he’s definitely the cooler of the two. Both men lack any true special powers, but they make up for it with highly trained skills and disciplined bodies. Hawkeye’s weapon of choice is a high-tech bow and a quiver filled with a seemingly endless supply of specially designed arrows. He’s most famous as a member of The Avengers, but he’s also had quite the career away from the group. And judging by the way Hawkeye “applied” for a position with The Avengers (ie breaking into their mansion/HQ and tying up the butler) I’d have to say he’s got quite a bit more personality than many of the more generic heroes do (I’m looking at you Superman).

This could all be empty talk of course, and keep in mind that Renner was linked to George Miller’s upcoming Mad Max sequel/reboot, Fury Road, for months before apparently being replaced by Tom Hardy (or Charlize Theron). Renner even admits that “No offer has been made… I think there’s a little ways from that.” Again, this is far from official, but Renner did add “If I was a betting man, I would bet that Hawkeye would probably show up in Thor, and then be in The Avengers.”

Good news? Bad news? Renner’s a fantastic actor and will excel in any role, but it’d be nice to see him play a bad-ass superhero. And this is where I mention the perennial go-to name when trying to cast the roguish, tough but funny hero roles like Hawkeye or Green Lantern… Nathan Fillion. Would he be a better Hawkeye? Some want him for Captain America, but isn’t he a bit too uptight and proper for Fillion’s particular brand of mischief?

What do you think? Can you see Renner as Hawkeye? If not, who would you prefer?