Despite suffering severe injuries in a snowplow accident, actor Jeremy Renner has made a remarkable recovery and resumed filming for the third season of "Mayor of Kingstown." However, his return was not without its challenges, as he struggled with pain and had to adjust to shorter workdays.
In a candid interview with radio host Ellen K, Jeremy Renner opened up about the difficulties he faced when he returned to the set of "Mayor of Kingstown" in January, a year after the accident that nearly took his life. Renner explained that he had "no endurance" and was surprised he could still do his own stunts.
"Everything still hurts, every joint … It's just more discomfort, I think," Renner said.
The accident had left Renner with 30 broken bones, blunt chest trauma, and orthopedic injuries. He underwent extensive physical therapy and multiple surgeries during his recovery.
When he first returned to work, Renner had to cut back on his hours from the typical 14-hour day to shorter, child-actor-like workdays.
"Fourteen-hour days, I don't think are good for anybody," Renner said. "And the crew, I think everybody was on board with it because I was falling asleep in the middle of the day, in the scenes, at the end of the day I'd get really tired. I just had no endurance."
Despite his physical limitations, Renner was determined to avoid shutting down production.
"I didn't want to force the production to stop because a lot of people need the jobs," Renner said. "It's the only game in town in Pittsburgh."
To Renner's surprise, he was able to perform the fight choreography in the first episode of the new season without a stunt double.
"I said to the stunt guy, ‘There’s no way I’m going to be able to do it. And then the day came and [I] put on these tennis shoes and was just like ‘Let's go do this thing,’ and it worked out great," Renner said.
Renner's remarkable recovery is a testament to his determination and the support of his cast and crew.
"The stunt work, it was pretty violent, and surprising that I was even able to attempt it for me personally," Renner said.
Executive producer Hugh Dillon praised Renner's dedication.
"From where Jeremy was to where we are now and watching what he does, it’s a joy to be part of it," Dillon said. "Jeremy Renner do his own stunts, you should watch it for that alone."
The new season of "Mayor of Kingstown" premieres on June 2nd.
