Months after surviving a devastating accident that nearly took his life, Jeremy Renner is opening up about the incident in a new television interview. Set to air on ABC News on April 6, Renner is taking part in his first interview since the accident by speaking about it in detail with Diane Sawyer. A clip running just under three minutes has also been released to promote the interview, and you can watch the video below.
The incident notes how Renner was horrifically injured on New Year's Day, getting crushed by a snowplowing vehicle to save his nephew from harm. Renner's family can be seen in the video above regaling how disturbing it was to witness, describing how the Hawkeye star appeared to be dead in the immediate aftermath. While that was almost the case, Renner has no regrets, boldly telling Sawyer in the new interview that he'd do the same thing today if he needed to.
"I'd do it again," Renner says. "Yeah, I'd do it again. Because it's going right at my nephew."
Audio of the 911 call reporting the accident is also featured in the preview clip. It's unsettling to hear, as Renner can be heard in the background moaning in pain. As Sawyer lists the extensive injuries endured by Renner in the accident, the actor can be seen fighting back tears. He ends up choking up a bit when Sawyer goes on to describe how Renner had communicated "I'm sorry" to his family in sign language while in the hospital.
Jeremy Renner Chose to Survive
While incredibly painful and undoubtedly frightening, the good news for Renner is that he's headed toward a full recovery. Since the incident, he has been active on social media, providing updates on how his physical therapy is going to his online followers. Renner says in the new interview that he believes he's still around and kicking now in part because he refused to die, no matter how bad his injuries were.
"I chose to survive," Renner says. "It's not gonna kill me. No way."
He continued, "I've lost a lot of flesh and blood in this experience, but I've been refueled and refilled with love and titanium."
Despite his determination to live and hard work getting put into his recovery, however, Renner is also admitting that he realizes that luck plays a big role in his survival as well.
"I see a lucky man," Renner says when asked how he he sees himself in the mirror.
Renner's interview with Diane Sawyer will air on ABC on Thursday, April 6 at 10 p.m. ET. It will be made available for streaming on Friday, April 7, on Disney+.