Gwyneth Paltrow is waving goodbye to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as she officially retires from playing Pepper Potts.
Paltrow has played Tony Stark’s partner for a decade, appearing in a total of six MCU movies so far – all three Iron Man films, The Avengers, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Avengers: Infinity War.
She is set to appear in the highly anticipated Avengers: Endgame in April, which will likely be her final appearance.
The actor announced the news in an interview with Variety, but did leave open the possibility of returning to the MCU for cameos.
Paltrow said:
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 [‘Iron Man’ director] Jon Favreau. It was such a wonderful experience making the first Iron Man and then to watch how important it has become to fans.
I feel honored to be a part of something that people are so passionate about. Of course, if they said, ‘Can you come back for a day?,’ I will always be there if they need me.
So we may not be waving our final goodbye to Pepper just yet. Well I hope so anyway, she is one of my favourite characters!
Although we don’t really know what to expect from Avengers: Endgame, it will definitely shift the focus of the MCU.
It is likely then Pepper isn’t the only staple character who will leave the series in the next instalment, although Paltrow is the first to announce her retirement.
Last year rumours circulated that Chris Evans will be retiring from the role of Captain America after Avengers: Endgame, something director Joe Russo later dismissed.
In an interview with Associated Press – as reported by Vanity Fair – Russo teased what it meant for the man behind the Captain America mask.
He said:
I think it was more emotional for him than it was us because he’s not done yet. I won’t explain what that means but fans will soon understand what I’m talking about.
Everyone involved with Avengers: Endgame really need to stop with these cryptic clues, as it is making me increasingly frustrated I don’t know what they all mean.
Thankfully it isn’t long until we find out, as the film will be released in two months time!
Avengers: Endgame hits cinemas worldwide on April 26.
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