Jeremy Renner is known for playing calm and collected characters, even in the midst of chaos – from intense war movies to huge action franchises and realistic TV shows. Here are ten of his best film and television roles, showcasing his versatility, along with a few behind-the-scenes facts to make them even more fascinating.
‘The Hurt Locker’ (2008) – the performance that put him on the awards map
Jeremy Renner received his first major Best Actor nomination for his performance as Staff Sgt. William James in this intense drama about bomb disposal during the Iraq War. The film realistically portrays the dangerous work of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, highlighting the importance of precise procedures and quick thinking. Filmed on location using a shaky, documentary-like style, it creates a gripping and suspenseful atmosphere. This role solidified Renner’s status as a leading man, proving he could carry a tense, character-focused thriller.
‘The Town’ (2010) – a razor-sharp supporting role with serious hardware attention
Jeremy Renner gained significant praise for his role as the unpredictable criminal Jem Coughlin, even earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination. The movie follows a Boston-based heist team and is known for its realistic portrayal of the city and detailed depiction of bank robberies. Renner’s character is the crew’s muscle, impacting the story’s direction largely through his actions, not words. Though he’s not on screen constantly, his appearances are crucial, particularly during the armored car robbery and the scenes at Fenway Park.
‘The Avengers’ (2012) – establishing Hawkeye in the MCU ensemble
Jeremy Renner’s character, Clint Barton, is a key member of the superhero team, known for his expert archery and strategic support in the field. He works as both a field agent and provides intelligence for S.H.I.E.L.D., connecting behind-the-scenes work with the team’s major conflicts. Later stories reveal more about his personal life and what he does when he’s not on missions, solidifying his place as an important character throughout the series of connected films.
‘Hawkeye’ (2021) – mentoring Kate Bishop and exploring hearing loss
The Disney+ series focuses on Clint Barton as he investigates a case during the holidays, and introduces Kate Bishop (played by Hailee Steinfeld). The show incorporates Barton’s hearing loss from the comics, showing him using hearing aids and adapting how he communicates – a positive representation on screen. We also meet new groups, like the Tracksuit Mafia, alongside familiar faces, both friends and enemies. The story keeps the action grounded and gives Renner the chance to showcase his comedic timing.
‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011) – joining Ethan Hunt’s elite unit
Jeremy Renner joins the series as William Brandt, an intelligence expert who helps oversee the IMF’s operations. The film features exciting, large-scale action sequences, notably in Moscow and Dubai, highlighting the team’s ability to work together. Brandt provides a more careful and thoughtful perspective, balancing out the team’s tendency to think on their feet. Renner reprised his role in a later film, becoming a more significant part of the story.
‘Arrival’ (2016) – a thoughtful sci-fi turn opposite a linguistics-led storyline
Jeremy Renner plays Ian Donnelly, a physicist who works with a linguist to decipher an alien language while navigating intense political pressure. The film thoughtfully combines complex scientific ideas with the personal decisions of the characters, and its non-traditional structure plays with how we understand cause and effect. Renner’s character provides a realistic foundation for the scientific aspects of the mission, but the story primarily focuses on the importance of language. This leads to a subtle and collaborative performance that fits the film’s intelligent and thought-provoking style.
‘Wind River’ (2017) – a stark crime drama on a snow-swept reservation
Jeremy Renner plays a wildlife tracker who helps investigate a crime on a distant Native American reservation. The story highlights the difficulties caused by overlapping legal jurisdictions and the reservation’s remoteness, impacting how evidence is collected and who is in charge. The snowy, isolated setting adds to the challenges for those involved. Renner’s character relies on his tracking skills and knowledge of the land to solve the case.
‘The Bourne Legacy’ (2012) – leading the franchise’s expanded program lore
Jeremy Renner stars as Aaron Cross, expanding the world of the Bourne films beyond Jason Bourne. The story delves into how agents are enhanced with drugs, the intense training they undergo, and the secret procedures for shutting down these programs. The action is gritty and realistic, focusing on close-quarters fighting and elaborate chases. The film reveals that Cross is a result of a hidden, parallel operation, enriching the complex network of secrets within the series.
‘Mayor of Kingstown’ (2021– ) – fronting a gritty series about power and prisons
Jeremy Renner plays Mike McLusky, a go-between for police, prisoners, prison staff, and influential people in a Michigan town heavily impacted by prisons. The series explores how the prison system works – including prisoner transfers, gang dynamics, and political maneuvering – and how backroom deals can either help or harm local communities. Renner’s character keeps things from falling apart by using his connections, doing favors, and knowing exactly when to communicate with others.
‘Tag’ (2018) – finishing a comedy after breaking both arms on set
During filming of the comedy, Jeremy Renner broke both arms in an accident. Despite this, production continued by using arm braces and later, digital effects to hide the injuries. The movie centers around a long-running game of tag between friends as they grow older, which involved a lot of physical humor and running scenes. The team had to change how they worked to stay on schedule and make sure Renner could recover. The situation became well-known as a good example of how a film crew can overcome challenges and keep a project on track.
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2025-11-20 09:47