Summary

  • Gwyneth Paltrow has teased returning to the MCU.
  • Avengers: Doomsday is a logical movie for Potts to reappear.
  • Potts should confront Doctor Doom for an impactful storyline.

Marvel Studios recently confirmed a host of characters for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie, creating a cast that fans are already excited about. However, plenty of people weren't announced, which has led to fans questioning their future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts.

She hasn't been seen in the MCU since Avengers: Endgame when Tony Stark's death left her future in the franchise uncertain. However, with nothing technically stopping Marvel from bringing Potts back into the mix, there could be one specific reason to get her back.

Female Marvel characters not in Avengers Doomsday
One Thing Is Clear After The Avengers: Doomsday Cast Announcement: Marvel Has A Female Problem

Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement highlighted the female problem the franchise has.

5

Gwyneth Paltrow Has Teased The Idea Of Returning To The MCU

Tony-Stark-Pepper-Potts-Avengers-Infinity-War Cropped
Tony-Stark-Pepper-Potts-Avengers-Infinity-War Cropped

Paltrow first appeared in the MCU back in 2008's Iron Man as Potts, who ended up becoming Robert Downey Jr's love interest. The relationship between Stark and Potts ended up being a popular one within the MCU, and their on-screen chemistry always worked perfectly. It led to her being in all three Iron Man movies as well as The Avengers, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Her prominence in the franchise grew, and she even stepped up as a superhero in the battle against Thanos by donning one of the Iron Man suits herself as she showcased what she'd learned from her husband over the years.

When it was announced that Downey Jr was returning to the MCU, questions were asked about whether or not she would follow suit. At the moment, Paltrow hasn't been confirmed as part of the cast. However, during an Instagram Q&A, Paltrow said, "The truth is, I don't totally know," when asked if she'd be coming back to the franchise. "I think I might, but I'm not sure. Nothing is confirmed; that is the truth. That's the inside scoop."

Avengers: Doomsday Is The Movie That Would Make The Most Sense

Pepper Potts while effected by Extremis in Iron Man 3

With Stark dead in the MCU, it's hard to see an overwhelming need for Potts to be brought back into the franchise, as it's unclear how she'd fit in or what purpose she could serve. However, if there's going to be any movie for the character to return, then it would be Avengers: Doomsday. The upcoming Russo Brothers project recently started production, and considering the fact that Downey Jr is going to be involved, the odds of Potts returning haven't certainly increased. Of course, he's coming back to play a totally different character as Doctor Doom, and technically, that person will have no connection to Potts. However, the Russo Brothers have teased that Downey Jr's role as Iron Man and the sacrifice he makes in Avengers: Endgame will be linked and mentioned as part of his new role.

With that in mind, if Marvel Studios is going to be referencing his past and potentially showcasing what life he previously had, then having Potts be part of that would make sense. There are various ways that she could be tied into that, with the simplest being Marvel opting to add some unseen footage of him as Stark that could show Potts again. The movie could look at his home life as a husband and father in some brand new scenes, which could be a lot of fun, but there's actually a more impactful way that Marvel can use Potts.

Peppa Potts Should Confront Doctor Doom

Pepper Potts And Tony Stark

Doctor Doom is obviously going to pose quite a serious threat within Avengers: Doomsday to get all of Earth's mightiest heroes together in a bid to stop him; therefore, it would make sense that Potts would learn that he looks exactly like her late husband. If the character is going to remember Iron Man or who he was in a different multiverse, then having him confront Potts is an interesting decision. Seeing the two actors back together in what would be a drastically different scene would be an easy way to highlight just how different this particular character is when compared to how fans have seen Downey Jr previously in the MCU.

Marvel would then be presented with some interesting options. They could have Doom kill Potts, which would be a shocking moment. It would firmly establish that this character is a villain and nothing like what people have seen before. There have been a lot of rumors about Doom needing to kill a significant character to convince fans that he will be evil and that his role isn't similar to that of Iron Man. While seeing him duke it out with an Avenger would highlight his power, having him kill Potts would arguably be even more impactful due to his connection to the character. Or, Marvel could create an intense conversation where Potts potentially makes Doom think about himself and his decisions. Either way, there is scope for an extremely powerful scene between the two characters where it would make sense to bring Potts back to the MCU in a way that would drive the Avengers: Doomsday story forward and not just feel like a fan service cameo.

Image
mcu Cropped
Display card main info widget
First Film
Iron Man
Latest Film
Marvels
Cast
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Tom Hiddleston, Iman Vellani
TV Show(s)
WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk
Display card main info widget end

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info