The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown exponentially since Iron Man hit theaters in 2008, and began the trend of serialized storytelling and cinematic universes with Nick Fury's credits scene. Robert Downey Jr. has been involved since the beginning, starring in the first blockbuster alongside Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts. Ms. Potts has popped up six times thus far, with another appearance set for Avengers: Endgame. Unfortunately, Paltrow recently revealed that she's set to retire from the MCU after Endgame concludes Phase Three.
News of Gwyneth Paltrow's departure from the shared universe is sure to disappoint fans who have spent over a decade watching her relationship with Tony Stark, as well as her murder of two Iron Man villains. The Oscar winning actress opened up about the reasoning behind her exit, saying:
I mean, I’m a bit old to be in a suit and all that at this point. I feel very lucky that I did it, because I actually got talked into it. I was friends with Jon Favreau. It was such a wonderful experience making the first Iron Man and then to watch how important it has become to fans.
It looks like Gwyneth Paltrow has spent enough years as Tony Stark's business and life partner, as the 46-year old actress/lifestyle guru feels she'd getting too old to suit up and fight bad guys in the MCU. Luckily, we've got one more appearance of Pepper in Avengers: Endgame, hopefully including her taking on a superhero mantle of her own in the process.
While Marvel fans are bummed to see Gwyneth's tenure in the MCU coming to an end, her comments to Variety do have a silver lining. She seems to be hinting at getting her own Iron Man armor in Endgame, something that comic fans have been waiting for since she was first introduced in Iron Man. Paltrow previously revealed herself in a motion capture suit while filming, and leaked merchandise seems to confirm she'll be taking on the mantle of Rescue in the upcoming blockbuster. Now she's once again mentioning suiting up, so fingers crossed it comes to fruition in the upcoming blockbuster.
Gwyneth Paltrow may be largely disinterested in playing Pepper Potts again, the actress does seem open to returning for bit roles if Marvel's writers needed her. As she told Variety,
Of course, if they said, ‘Can you come back for a day?,’ I will always be there if they need me.
Well, that a relief. While we shouldn't expect Pepper Potts to have a major presence in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gwyneth Paltrow said she's open to return in a cameo capacity. She seems to really understand how much the character means to the mass of Marvel fans out there.
Gwyneth Paltrow is set to return to theaters in Avengers: Endgame on April 26th. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
