Interviewing Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) & Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch)

Many of you know that I grew up reading Marvel Comics – and I still read them to this day. One of my favorite characters has always been Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye. I don’t know what it is that drew me to him, but I have always loved him. Something about his character and how he grows despite tragedy I guess. So when Thor came out and we first saw Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, he immediately became one of my favorites from the movies. He really embodies Hawkeye perfectly and I cannot picture anyone else playing him.

Two of my Favorite Marvel Characters

Another one of my favorite Marvel characters is Scarlet Witch. She is a powerful and strong woman, who can literally change the world just by muttering 3 words (comic book readers know what I am talking about – “No more mutants.”). We first saw Elizabeth Olsen bring her to life in Avengers: Age of Ultron and I couldn’t wait to see more of her after that. I loved her interaction with Hawkeye and that continues in Captain America: Civil War.

I promise no spoilers of any kind – but both of these characters grow individually and together – not to mention they are both in some great scenes that are fun to watch. When I found out that I would be interviewing Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen together, I just couldn’t wait.

They Had Yet to See the Movie

I found it very interesting that neither of them had seen the film yet at the time of the interview. We all joked about ruining it for them and they both laughed. On a serious note, the movie is thrilling and action packed with lots of stunts from all the characters. 

Do They Do Their Own Stunts?

Someone asked Elizabeth and Jeremy if they do their own stunts. Elizabeth answered first

“I think we do as many stunts as we can. A lot of times they take a second crew out, or they’ll film things when we’ve already been wrapped from the movie. But when we’re there, we do everything.”

Jeremy explained that he doesn’t have a lot of stunts. He just shoots arrows (although he joked that they have to go somewhere – like into a cameraman). He said that the stunts are the fun part of filming and if he couldn’t do that, it would be a pretty boring job.

“There’s one flip I couldn’t do it, so my stunt double [did it]. He’s badass.“

Elizabeth finished by saying that she doesn’t like having a stunt person do what she does anyways – and that her goal is to get better at wire work before the next film.

Why Did Elizabeth Take The Role?

Elizabeth’s Scarlet Witch definitely has her differences from the Marvel Comics version – like the outfit for example. She told us that while talking with Joss (Whedon, who directed Avengers: Age of Ultron), he

“started explaining to me who the Scarlet Witch was and he said, when you look at the comics, just know you will not look like that. I will not put you in a leotard, and cape, and a head cast.“

I personally love her wardrobe in the films and I think it works for the character. When asked what inspired her to take on the role, she answered

“A few things. I was already a fan of Iron Man and Avengers; I saw it with my dad when I working in Serbia – which was the second time seeing it and I loved it. I told my older brother who loves comics (he’s the person who can guess where everything [that is]going to happen. [So] I started reading more about her journey, and I found the fact that her mind is the only thing that limits her – and that she can manipulate her own reality – those kinds of things [are]really cool. She’s a really cool character and it’s a lot of opportunity for storytelling.“

A Great Big Family

When Chris Evans and Paul Bettany were interacting we could see how well they got along. So someone asked Elizabeth and Jeremy if there is any real life tension on set. They both immediately responded no, that they are all like a big family.

“I’m excited for us to keep going, just because it’s so fun to hang out with everyone. And to go to different locations – it’s just fun!“

Elizabeth said as Jeremy cut her off added “until they kill us.”

We of course all chuckled before asking if they could share something fun that happened on set.

“One of my favorites is [Jeremy], me, and Paul filming just because it was so funny. It’s really odd to film when you have two not so practical powers, and [then]you [have]Jeremy who’s a practical fighter. And I’m as sincerely and genuinely as possible trying to make [Paul] a thousand tons and send him to the center of the Earth. It was four in the morning. We were giggly and loopy, and that was a hilarious day on set.“

Elizabeth answered. I promise that is not a spoiler guys! As she was explaining this to us, she is curling her fingers and doing her “Scarlet Witch” hands fantastically. She let us know that she thinks she looks like an idiot on set, but in her mind, she feels cool so it’s OK.

Hawkeye and Black Widow

If you read the comics than you know there is a lot of history with Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye. They were also very close in Avengers: Age of Ultron and are on opposite sides in Captain America: Civil War. So naturally we asked Jeremy how it was changing dynamic with that character while filming.

“There’s a lot of history with those characters. I like working with Scarlett and I love that character of Widow. She’s a badass – her character and her. I just wish there was more – I love working with that character. I think they have a really good history together and a lot of secrets.“

A Hawkeye Solo Film?

I know there are rumors about a Hawkeye film and I for one, would love that! We asked Jeremy about it and he had a lot to say.

“That’s above my paygrade, I’m not gonna make those decisions. I think there’s a lot to explore – to go back a bit and [show his time in]the circus. There’s gotta be a reason [though], not just to throw it out there. But yeah, I do love the character. I’m always willing to do it- explore it more, until they kill me. [Or] until I’m fifty. Don’t wait too long. No one wants to see that – and old man in tights.“

Jeremy was asked if he ever had a role that he was offered and turned down, only to regret it later. What he said were words to live by, in my opinion.

“Never. Never. I’m always happy with the decisions I’m making. No regrets, ever, with anything in life – even when I make a mistake – as long as you learn and grow from it, that’s all that matters.“

A Moment with Jeremy Renner

After the group photo, I was lucky enough to be walking next to Jeremy Renner. I had wanted to talk with him about the song he sang about being Hawkeye on Jimmy Fallon but the time was never right in the group interview. I figured this was my shot, so I mentioned to him that I loved the song. He laughed and said thanks. I then asked him if he wrote the song. He told me no, but that he did tell the writers that he would only perform it if they did a photo shoot to create photos to go along with the song to play in a slide show behind him. What a great idea! That really makes the song if you ask me. I let him know that I think he has a great voice and he thanked me and said it was nice to meet me. That little one on one conversation made my whole trip.

Captain America: Civil War hits theaters on May 6th, 2016
Be sure to see it (at least once) opening weekend – I will be!

About Captain America: Civil War

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

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