“If they do a third one…”: Gwyneth Paltrow Had 1 Condition to Return in Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man 3
Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Pepper Potts isn’t a new name in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has been part of the universe ever since Tony Stark’s entry as Iron Man in 2008.
Working alongside Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) originally as his personal assistant, she steadily emerges as a capable CEO of Stark Industries and oversees the development of advanced weapons. In her personal life, Pepper builds affection for Tony, and he ends up proposing to her after the end of Captain America: Civil War.
Despite being an important part of Stark Industries and Tony’s life, Paltrow earlier indicated she wasn’t best pleased with the lack of action Marvel writers scripted for Pepper.
What Gwyneth Paltrow Wanted in Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man 3
Gwyneth Paltrow started her stint in Marvel Cinematic Universe opposite Robert Downey Jr. In an interview, she revealed how the desire to work alongside the acclaimed actor and director Jon Favreau was key in her decision to join the franchise.
However, her role was pretty subtle in Iron Man 1. The rise of assassin Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) AKA Black Widow in Iron Man 2 further took away the spotlight from Pepper.
Ahead of Iron Man 3, the Seven actress suggested her disappointment at seeing her character on the sidelines rather than being in the mix of it all.
Speaking to MTV News in 2010, Paltrow acknowledged Tony’s secretary is a central character, but also cleared her desire to get involved in some action sequences. “Maybe for the third one [I’ll get to kick some ass]. If they do a third one,” she said.
“They’d have to mix it up a little. I don’t want to just keep sitting there. I hope [I get some action scenes], that would be great.”
The writers of the franchise seemingly listened to the Oscar-winning actress and in Iron Man 3 – the last solo film of the superhero – Pepper was central to the storyline. She is kidnapped by Aldrich Killian, who injects her with Extremis to get his revenge on Stark. Eventually, she ends up killing Aldrich.
Does Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Have Any Superpowers in the MCU
Pepper’s action antics didn’t just stop after Aldrich died in Iron Man 3. During the Battle of Earth, Paltrow’s character joins the Avengers to take on Thanos’ forces. She was trained by Tony and gained superpower abilities through her specially built suit, Mark XLIK armor.
When the love of her life sacrificed himself to end Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, she was alive and present at his funeral. This indicated she might have some unfinished business in the future chapters.
In 2019, the 50-year-old admitted she might be getting too old for getting her hands dirty and saving the world. “I mean, I’m a bit old to be in a suit and all that at this point,” she said.
However, in 2021, she said her doors will be open for a small cameo in the iconic franchise.
Read more: 5 Actors Who Hated Working in MCU Movies Including Edward Norton and Idris Elba
Source: MTV
