Marvel Studios continues to build anticipation for Avengers: Secret Wars, and now a new rumor focuses on a classic comic book team that could finally debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: the West Coast Avengers. The information gains traction just as fans try to decipher what role Jeremy Renner will have in the franchise's future following his confirmed absence from Avengers: Doomsday.
The interest in this potential move is not coincidental. It comes just weeks after Renner himself shared several images on Instagram of comics featuring this team, a gesture that at the time was seen as a simple nostalgic tribute, but which could now be read as an early hint about his return to the MCU.
What the rumor says about Secret Wars
The leak comes from insider James Mack, who claimed that the West Coast Avengers would be adapted in Avengers: Secret Wars. The statement arose in response to a question about whether this team would be related to VisionQuest, the Marvel series centered on the character Vision.
According to Mack, the group is intended to appear in the big Avengers movie, although for now it is only a rumor. Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed either the addition of this team or Jeremy Renner's participation in the project.
Who are the West Coast Avengers
This team first appeared in comics in 1984, in the miniseries West Coast Avengers, created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall. The original idea was to establish a second base of operations for the Avengers, this time in Los Angeles, as a complement to the New York headquarters.
In the panels, it was Vision who tasked Clint Barton—Hawkeye—with forming this new lineup. The initial roster included Mockingbird, War Machine, Tigra, and Wonder Man, and over the years it added such relevant names as Scarlet Witch, Vision himself, and Hank Pym.
The team has also had subsequent incarnations in the comics, including a more modern version linked to Kate Bishop, the young heroine who adopted the mantle of Hawkeye. That variety of eras gives Marvel Studios a wide range of stories to draw from if it decides to bring this group to the big screen.
Jeremy Renner’s Instagram hint
The other element fueling the speculation is Jeremy Renner's Instagram post, where he showed several comics related to the West Coast Avengers. At the time, the image was interpreted as a simple gesture of affection toward the character he has played for over a decade.
However, after the rumor about Secret Wars emerged, that post takes on a different meaning. If Marvel is indeed preparing an adaptation of this team, Renner may have dropped a sign about his return before any official announcement from the studio.
The actor last played Clint Barton in the series Hawkeye, released on Disney+ in 2021, where he co-starred with Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. That story concluded with Barton serving as a mentor to the young archer, a relationship that could continue if both characters end up forming part of a new team in the MCU.
Vision and Scarlet Witch, possible pieces of the puzzle
The question that sparked the rumor was related to VisionQuest, the series centered on Vision, which opens the door to a possible connection between Marvel's television projects and future Avengers films. Both Vision and Wanda Maximoff, known as Scarlet Witch, have been part of the West Coast Avengers in the comics.
This does not imply that these characters are confirmed for the alleged cinematic lineup, but there is enough precedent in the comics to justify speculation regarding their potential participation.
Hawkeye’s absence in Avengers: Doomsday
For the moment, Jeremy Renner is not among the announced cast of Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. That absence, however, does not rule out the actor returning in Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for December 17, 2027.
Renner himself recently joked about not being part of Doomsday, humorously pointing out that the heroes might end up losing by not having Hawkeye, in reference to what happened in Avengers: Infinity War, a film in which his character also did not appear while Thanos managed to complete his plan.
It is still unknown if his absence in Doomsday is due to a purely narrative decision or if Marvel is reserving his return for the next installment of the saga. If the rumor about the West Coast Avengers is confirmed, the studio would have a clear narrative path to reincorporate Clint Barton alongside characters already established in the MCU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the West Coast Avengers?
They are a Marvel comic book superhero team, created in 1984 by Roger Stern and Bob Hall, which functions as a second Avengers formation based in Los Angeles, originally led by Hawkeye.
Has the appearance of this team in Secret Wars been confirmed?
No. It is a rumor spread by insider James Mack. Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed the addition of the West Coast Avengers to the film.
Will Jeremy Renner return as Hawkeye?
There is no official confirmation. The rumor is based on an Instagram post by the actor featuring comics of the team, interpreted as a possible hint, but Marvel has not announced his participation in Secret Wars.
Why is Hawkeye not in Avengers: Doomsday?
For now, it has not been officially explained. Jeremy Renner is not listed in the announced cast for that film, although he joked about it by comparing the situation to his absence in Avengers: Infinity War.
When are Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars released?
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, while Avengers: Secret Wars is scheduled for December 17, 2027.
What is the relationship between Vision and Scarlet Witch with this team?
In the comics, both Vision and Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) have been part of the West Coast Avengers, which fuels speculation about a possible connection to series like VisionQuest, although there is no confirmation of their participation in the film.
