Balancing a demanding Hollywood career with family life is challenging, especially for actors involved in major film franchises that require extensive international filming. Jeremy Renner recently shared a deeply personal reason behind his decision to step away from the Mission: Impossible movies.
In an intimate interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Renner, known for his portrayal of Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, discussed his memoir, My Next Breath, and the balancing act between his professional and personal life. When asked about his reflections on stepping back from roles, Renner was candid about his priorities:
“It’s more the willingness to step away from things. My daughter is a priority, and it’s not even a choice. I’m gonna be a father to my daughter. If they’re gonna keep shooting in London, it’s just not going to work. I had to walk away from Tom Cruise, the Mission: Impossible, sadly.”
Renner’s involvement with Mission: Impossible dates back to 2010 when he joined the franchise in Ghost Protocol, initially poised to take over from Tom Cruise as the leading character. Despite his strong performance as William Brandt, Renner explained that the prolonged and intensive filming schedules were incompatible with his commitment to his daughter.
Reflecting further, Renner emphasized his affection for the films and his co-star, but reiterated the necessity of his decision:
“I love Tom, I love doing those movies, they’re so fun. But I couldn’t. I had to really be a dad. They’re still shooting seven and eight right now. I just talked to one of the stunt guys, it took five years. I’m like ‘I have to be a dad, I can’t go do that.'”
Actors often navigate the difficult terrain of extended shoots and long periods away from home, which Renner found particularly challenging during the critical early years of his daughter’s life. He noted that other actors, like Jason Momoa, similarly express relief that their major career breakthroughs occurred after their children had grown older.
Renner concluded the conversation with a heartfelt reflection on his decision:
“And God bless him, I love that, I wish I could do that, [but] I love the choice I made, I love being a dad. It’s the best role I’ve ever had.”
Renner’s candid acknowledgment serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices actors make behind the scenes, and underscores his pride in prioritizing fatherhood over career pressures.