In a recent conversation, Gwyneth Paltrow admitted she is uncertain about what her character, Pepper Potts, has been up to since the events of Avengers: Endgame, bringing fresh attention to the topic of the Gwyneth Paltrow Pepper Potts update. Paltrow spoke candidly on The Awardist podcast with host Gerrad Hall, sharing her lack of knowledge about Potts’ current storyline and even the fate of her on-screen partner, Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr.
Paltrow Confesses to Not Keeping Up With Marvel
Recognized for her role as Pepper Potts since her debut in 2008’s Iron Man, Paltrow reflected on her connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the conversation, she openly addressed her unfamiliarity with post-Endgame developments.
To be honest, I think I would’ve had to see all the Avengers movies to get some story context for what she’s doing,
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
I haven’t seen any of them, so I don’t know.
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
Throughout her tenure as Potts, the character grew from Tony Stark’s attentive assistant to the CEO of Stark Industries and his romantic partner. They continued as a couple through multiple films, including Iron Man 3, The Avengers, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, ultimately becoming parents to a daughter before Tony’s death at the close of Endgame.
Some significant storylines, such as Potts receiving Extremis superpowers in Iron Man 3 and piloting her own advanced armor in Endgame, have yet to be addressed in later Marvel projects. Fans and observers have taken note of these unresolved threads.
Guessing at Pepper Potts’ Life After Tony Stark
When considering Pepper Potts’ existence following Tony Stark’s death, Paltrow offered possible scenarios while highlighting her own uncertainty.
She’s been raising a kid and doing spreadsheets,
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
Maybe she’s on some boards and doing some advisory work, and maybe she’s dating.
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
Questions around Tony Stark’s fate persisted, with Paltrow expressing confusion about the possibility of Robert Downey Jr.’s return or the character’s status.
Or did they bring Robert back to life?
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
I don’t know. I can’t keep track.
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
MCU’s Future and Downey’s Unexpected Return
Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the 2026 release Avengers: Doomsday, but he is set to portray Victor Von Doom — a villainous persona rather than his iconic Tony Stark role. This new character may be a multiversal variant of Stark from a different reality, though details remain vague, and Downey has not provided specifics about the background or nature of this new role. For now, there is no official indication that the original Tony Stark will make a comeback, leaving both Paltrow and fans uncertain about ongoing storylines.
Paltrow’s Career Beyond Marvel and Where to See Her Now
Apart from speculation about Pepper Potts, Paltrow is stepping back into the spotlight with Marty Supreme, a ping-pong themed dramedy directed by Josh Safdie. The film features an ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, Tyler Okonma (known as Tyler, the Creator), Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher. Marty Supreme marks Paltrow’s first movie appearance since her role in Endgame and her first non-Marvel film since 2015’s Mortdecai, signaling her return to mainstream cinema. Theaters nationwide are currently showing the film.
Paltrow’s candid comments about her role as Pepper Potts highlight the uncertainty and open questions that still linger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the unresolved fate of several beloved characters. As Paltrow focuses on projects outside of Marvel, it remains to be seen how — or if — Pepper Potts’ story will continue and whether fans will get the answers they’re seeking about her place in a universe that’s constantly evolving.
