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Jeremy Renner, the acclaimed Marvel star known for his role as Hawkeye, has opened up about the challenges he faces in his acting career following a near-fatal snow plow accident last year. The 53-year-old actor, who has been on a long road to recovery, shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on the “Smartless” podcast, shedding light on the physical and mental hurdles he continues to overcome.

In January 2023, Renner was involved in a harrowing incident near his Nevada home when he was nearly crushed under a 14,300-pound snowcat. The accident left him with more than 30 broken bones and necessitated extensive therapy over the past year. Now, as he reflects on his career, Renner admits that he doesn’t have the same energy for demanding roles as he did before the accident.

“I just don’t have the energy for it. I don’t have the fuel,” Renner explained on the podcast. “I have so much fuel to put into this reality, this body, all this stuff. I can’t just go play make-believe right now.” The actor emphasized that his current focus is on his physical recovery and maintaining a positive mindset, which requires significant daily effort.

Renner, who has previously taken on roles in action-packed franchises like “Mission Impossible” and Marvel’s “Avengers,” recently returned to work on the TV series “Mayor of Kingstown.” However, he confessed that the transition back to acting was not without its challenges. “Because I’m to do, like, f**king fiction? I’m still trying to live in reality, I’m trying to live,” Renner said, describing his initial apprehension about returning to the set.

The actor went on to explain that while he was able to slip back into his “Mayor of Kingstown” role with relative ease due to his familiarity with the character and show, he would struggle with taking on more demanding parts at this stage in his recovery. “But if it was a very challenging role, I couldn’t have taken it,” he admitted. “Not challenging in the sense that — because the show’s challenging, but it’s if I had to go play Dahmer or something, something so far from me.”

Renner’s candid discussion about his limitations post-accident offers a glimpse into the often-unseen struggles faced by performers recovering from severe injuries. His honesty about the mental and physical toll of his recovery resonates with many who have faced similar challenges in their personal and professional lives.

The severity of Renner’s injuries becomes even more apparent when he recounts the uncertainty surrounding his recovery in the early days following the accident. “Not one doctor, early on, said ‘You’re gonna pull through, you’re gonna be able to see again, you’re gonna be able to walk again, you’re gonna be able to breathe right, you’re gonna be able to talk,'” Renner revealed. This lack of reassurance from medical professionals underscores the gravity of his condition and the remarkable progress he has made since then.

Despite the setbacks and ongoing challenges, Renner’s determination shines through. When faced with potential limitations to his recovery, the actor used it as motivation to push himself harder. This resilience has been evident throughout his healing process, as he has shared updates on social media and gradually returned to public life.

As Renner continues to navigate his recovery and career, his story serves as an inspiration to many. It highlights the importance of perseverance, self-care, and adapting to new circumstances. While fans may have to wait longer to see Renner in more physically demanding roles, his current work and openness about his journey demonstrate that he remains a compelling presence both on and off-screen.

The actor’s experience also opens up broader conversations about the pressures faced by performers in the entertainment industry and the need for understanding and support when dealing with personal challenges. As Jeremy Renner focuses on his health and selective projects, his journey reminds us all of the strength it takes to overcome adversity and the importance of prioritizing well-being in the face of professional demands.