Robert Downey Jr.’s run in the MCU was highly celebrated. For a while, his fame and stardom became synonymous with the franchise. Hence, when the world had to bid him goodbye in Avengers: Endgame, the aftermath posed a particular problem for the MCU. With an unsurmountable legacy looming on the characters of the present, his influence on the narrative is undeniable.
Read also: Gwyneth Paltrow Blames Robert Downey Jr. for Her Not Returning to MCU
Fans were concerned about what RDJ’s absence would imply for Don Cheadle’s character. With the legacy problem at hand haunting the franchise, it would be intriguing to see how Armor Wars is tackled. What some, however, have failed to note is that Tony Stark’s demise poses trouble for another character within the overarching premise of MCU.
We are indeed talking about Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Absence Poses Trouble For Gwyneth Paltrow’s MCU Character
Pepper Potts’ significance within the franchise may not parallel the likes of the Avengers ensemble. However, it cannot be denied that she had an important role to play within the universe. Paltrow’s MCU debut was marked with 2008’s Iron Man. In the subsequent follow-up movies, the actress’ dynamic with Tony Stark shaped a substantial portion of the storyline. She also enjoyed minor appearances in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War.
In Avengers: Endgame, where Robert Downey Jr.’s character would ultimately meet his end, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts donned the Mark XLIX Iron Man Armor otherwise known as the Rescue Armor, and helped the Avengers in their fight against Thanos’ army. The moment was nothing short of spectacular, and it gave the character additional nuance.
Read also: Why Marvel Keeps Sidelining Tony Stark’s Family
Unfortunately, Avengers: Endgame marked the last appearance of Pepper Potts in the MCU. With Tony Stark’s daughter, Morgan, now in the picture, it’s natural to wonder if the franchise will further explore the Stark family’s future. It is interesting to note that the family dynamic has been neglected for four years. Would it be wise for the franchise to abandon these characters?
One can only speculate as to how much attention Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Pepper Potts will receive in the absence of Robert Downey Jr. Their stories have always been intertwined. Will a solo adventure or additional cameos add more to the role? Or would it work against her? It all depends on what else there is left to tell in her story and whether or not she serves a purpose in the grand scheme of MCU’s narrative.
Gwyneth Paltrow Explains Her MCU Absence
On Gwyneth Paltrow’s Instagram, the actress was conducting a Q&A session. One fan was curious about the Iron Man alum’s absence from recent MCU endeavors. Following is what the follower wrote:
“I’m asking this every time answer the question why did you stop with Marvel and do you miss [Robert Downey Jr.?]”
In response to this, the Shakespeare in Love star responded with the following:
“Oh my god, stop yelling at me! We just stopped doing it because Iron Man died. And, why do you need Pepper Potts without Iron Man? I don’t know. Call up Marvel and yell at them, not me. I’m just sitting here.”
Paltrow’s exasperation points to the legacy problem that the MCU is currently suffering from. With the major players all taking their exit, there is only so much the other characters can do to sustain the franchise’s previous grandeur. If the studios wanted to make use of the actress’ MCU character, they probably would have by now.
But the chance of her coming back hasn’t gone away entirely. She might not fit into the MCU’s ongoing Multiversal epic, but she might have a part to play in other future endeavors. She could reprise her role in Armor Wars or Ironheart, according to rumors. Nothing, however, has been confirmed as of yet.
All fans (and Paltrow) can do is hope.
Source: Variety
