When Jeremy Renner decided to star in “Mayor of Kingstown” without even reading the script, it wasn’t a reckless gamble but a testament to his unwavering trust in filmmaker Taylor Sheridan. Renner, known for his transformative roles in movies like “The Hurt Locker” and as a stalwart member of the Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has always had a knack for picking projects that resonate both critically and at the box office.
This trust was born out of their collaboration on the 2017 crime drama “Wind River,” a project that Renner cherishes as his favorite job to date. The film, where Renner played a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker investigating a murder, not only showcased his acting chops but also marked the beginning of a significant professional relationship with Sheridan.
The Catalyst: “Wind River” and Beyond
“Wind River” was a critical darling, lauded for its intense narrative and strong performances, especially by Renner. It grossed $43 million against an $11 million budget, which is a testament to its success. In an interview with Collider, Renner expressed his appreciation for the character’s complexity:
“Initially, it was the father aspect of the role and then sort of the essence of the complications of being a very masculine man but being very sensitive and very actionable about how he went about things.”
It was this film that cemented Sheridan’s reputation as a storyteller who excels in weaving simplicity with profound themes, qualities that drew Renner to commit blindly to “Mayor of Kingstown.”
A Bold Decision for “Mayor of Kingstown”
When approached for “Mayor of Kingstown,” Renner didn’t hesitate. He accepted the lead role solely based on Sheridan’s pitch, confident in Sheridan’s capability as a writer and director. This decision was highlighted in a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, where Renner revealed:
“Wind River is my favorite job. But with this one, I signed on to do the first season of ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ without reading a word of it, just off what was kinda pitched to me over the phone, and I wanna work with him again so let’s do it.”
This leap of faith has not been in vain. “Mayor of Kingstown” has successfully completed two seasons and is currently airing its third, further solidifying Sheridan’s status as a hitmaker and Renner’s acumen in selecting projects.
The Ongoing Collaboration and Future Prospects
The success of “Mayor of Kingstown” and the ongoing collaboration between Renner and Sheridan hint at more exciting projects in the future. Renner has also signed on for “Knives Out 3,” promising his fans an eclectic mix of roles in the coming years. His career trajectory continues to be an intriguing blend of indie dramas and blockbuster franchises, proving that his choices, guided by his faith in Sheridan’s storytelling, are more than just gambles—they are strategic decisions that define his legacy in Hollywood.