Entertainment Movies Jeremy Renner Details Pain of Snowplow Accident in First Interview Since Injuries: 'I Chose to Survive' "You're not gonna kill me. No way," the Marvel actor recalled to Diane Sawyer of what he thought after the accident, in an interview airing on April 6 By Jen Juneau Jen Juneau Twitter Jen Juneau is a digital news writer for PEOPLE since 2016. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 29, 2023 09:59 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Jeremy Renner risked his life to save his nephew when he suffered serious injuries in his Jan. 1 snowplow accident — and the Marvel actor would "do it again." In a sneak peek of his first interview since the incident, Renner, 52, speaks with Diane Sawyer about what happened that day and how his life has been since. When asked whether he remembers the pain, Renner said, "Oh, all of it. I was awake through every moment." After Sawyer, 77, reviewed his list of injuries — which included more than 30 broken bones — she asked him about the moment he said "I'm sorry" to his family in sign language when he couldn't speak following his accident. "Yeah ... " Renner replied after a pause, getting emotional as he turned his head away. But as the actor said, he "chose to survive," adding, "You're not gonna kill me. No way." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Jeremy Renner. ABC News Jeremy Renner to Make First Public Appearance Since Snowplow Accident at Rennervations L.A. Premiere Renner previously underwent multiple surgeries after surviving the accident at his property outside Reno, Nevada, on New Year's Day. He was initially left in "critical but stable condition" after his snowplow (said to weigh at least 14,330 lbs.) ran him over while he was helping a family member get a "stuck" vehicle out of the snow. "I've lost a lot of flesh and bone in this experience, but I've been refueled and refilled with love and titanium," he told Sawyer. Asked whether he sees "the same face" as before the accident when he looks in the mirror now, Renner smiled and said, "Nah, I see a lucky man." Diane Sawyer and Jeremy Renner. ABC News Renner has been keeping fans updated on his rehabilitation since the accident. On Sunday, he shared a recovery update, posting a video of himself walking on a treadmill with some assistance. "I now have to find OTHER things to occupy my time so my body can recover from my will," the Hawkeye star wrote on Twitter, along with the captions "#mindful," "#intended" and "#recovery." In February, Renner's Marvel costar Evangeline Lilly said she visited the actor at his home, and his progress and spirits surprised her after hearing about the serious accident. She remarked on how "incredibly brave and strong" he is, and said he was using a wheelchair around the house while laughing with friends. Lilly, 43, told Access at the time, "He's made of something really tough, that guy. You've always been able to see that in him. He is recovering incredibly, and I'm so grateful." Jeremy Renner Says Daughter Ava's Love Has "Healed Me" as He Celebrates Her 10th Birthday: Photo Renner is planning to attend the premiere of his new Disney+ reality series Rennervations on April 11, which will mark his first public event since the accident. The Avengers star will make an appearance at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles for a screening and live Q&A portion, according to a press release. There will also be an "immersive block party" afterward, themed to the new series. In Rennervations, the actor gives back by reconstructing decommissioned cars, alongside famous friends like Vanessa Hudgens, Anthony Mackie, Anil Kapoor and Sebastián Yatra. Renner's best friend Rory Millikin will also play a role. Jeremy Renner: The Diane Sawyer Interview airs Thursday, April 6, at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT on ABC.