 A master archer working as an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D. Renner said it was a very physical role and that he trained physically and practiced archery as much as possible in preparation . About the role , Renner said , " When I saw Iron Man , I thought that was a really kick @-@ ass approach to superheroes . Then they told me about this Hawkeye character , and I liked how he wasn 't really a superhero ; he 's just a guy with a high skill set . I could connect to that . " Regarding Hawkeye 's sniper mentality , Renner said , " It 's a lonely game . He 's an outcast . His only connection is to Scarlett 's character , Natasha . It 's like a left hand / right hand thing . They coexist , and you need them both , especially when it comes to a physical mission . " Renner said Hawkeye is not insecure about his humanity . " Quite the opposite , he 's the only one who can really take down the Hulk with his [ tranquilizer @-@ tipped ] arrows . He knows his limitations . But when it comes down to it , there has to be a sense of confidence in any superhero . " 
