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​Gwyneth Paltrow To Leave MCU After Avengers: Endgame

​Gwyneth Paltrow To Leave MCU After Avengers: Endgame

Paltrow has said she will be leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe this summer

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Gwyneth Paltrow has announced she will be retiring from her role as Virginia 'Pepper' Potts - Iron Man's secretary and, latterly, his girlfriend - after the release of Avengers: Endgame later this year.

The actor first starred as Potts in 2008's Iron Man, and has gone on to crop up not only in the franchise's sequels, but also several Avengers films. There was also a cameo appearance in 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming.

However, in an interview with Variety, Paltrow has now said she will be leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe this summer.

"I mean, I'm a bit old to be in a suit and all that at this point," Paltrow, 46, told the magazine.

"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."

While Paltrow doesn't want to commit to any more sequels, she has said she's open to cameos - in flashbacks or otherwise - at some point in the future.

"I feel honored to be a part of something that people are so passionate about," she said.

"Of course, if they said, 'Can you come back for a day?', I will always be there if they need me."

While it sounds like she's pretty settled on her decision, Paltrow's departure from the MCU has left fans wondering about the fate of her character - and Potts' relationship with Tony Stark.

One person speculated on Twitter: "So I guess Pepper Potts is gonna die huh."

Another added: "Nonono this sounds bad... Tony no."

Someone else suggested: "She obviously lives if she is available for cameos. So I'm happy."

Another agreed: "Well if she makes cameos she may not die?"

While many are fearing her retirement signals impending doom for Potts, some people reckon it could be something a whole lot happier, with one Twitter user saying: "In other words: Pepper Potts and tony stark leave the Avengers after endgame to focus on their careers and family."

Others wondered if Marvel would replace Paltrow with another actor, with someone asking: "New actress to replace her in 'Pepper Potts' role?"

Only time will tell, I suppose...

Featured Image Credit: Marvel

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Avengers, MCU, Marvel