Because of his role in Marvel Studios’ world-conquering cinematic incarnation of their superhero team, The Avengers, Jeremy Renner has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, but the actor also has an impressive resume of roles in critically acclaimed films that some Marvel Cinematic Universe fans may not be familiar with.
The Hurt Locker
In the eyes of critics, Kathryn Bigelow’s game-changing war film masterpiece remains Jeremy Renner’s top film, earning him his first Oscar nomination and making history as the first film directed by a woman to win Best Picture, with Bigelow also becoming the first female director to win Best Director. Renner plays a soldier charged with bomb disposal tasks during the Iraq War’s worst period, his nerve-wracking journey redefining the modern war film and creating an entirely distinct character study.
American Hustle
The con artist dramedy by David O. Russell combined real-life events with old-fashioned cinematic magic to tremendous acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike. It was another heavily Oscar-nominated film, for which Amy Adams did receive a well-deserved nomination. Renner portrays a politician who is based on one of the key figures in the FBI’s ‘Abscam’ sting operation, which is dramatized in the film, and who becomes a source of intense emotional turmoil in the plot.
Arrival
Denis Villeneuve’s alien first contact thriller was a breath of fresh air for critics thanks to its tight storyline and evocative atmosphere, which was significantly less gory than 28 Weeks Later but no less gripping. Despite being nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Adapted Screenplay, Renner’s co-star Amy Adams was snubbed.
28 Weeks Later
Renner plays a soldier in the sequel to Danny Boyle’s original film 28 Days Later, who is in charge of managing the repopulation of London following the terrible effects of a successfully contained zombie epidemic in the UK. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s successor is a visceral experience with an excellent cast, and it’s a rare case of a sequel to a high-concept cult film that lives up to expectations.
Avengers: Endgame
After skipping the last Avengers film, Jeremy Renner reprised his role as Hawkeye in the MCU’s Infinity Saga’s grand finale. While it’s unclear whether Endgame will be the hero’s final appearance on the big screen, the Hawkeye Disney+ series is still on schedule for a 2021 premiere.
Keep reading IWMBuzz.com for more such updates on your favorite celebs.