Gwyneth Paltrow Planning on Retiring From MCU After Avengers: Endgame

Speaking to Variety in a recent interview, Academy Award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow admitted that she plans on leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe after appearing in Avengers: Endgame. Paltrow has portrayed the character of Pepper Potts since the debut of the MCU with Iron Man in 2008. Granted, Paltrow still technically left the door open for some smaller appearances for the character in the future.

Regarding the matter, Paltrow stated, “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 friend 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.”

That being said, Paltrow seemed to be open to the idea of cameo or future appearances if they asked her to “come back for a day.” She added, “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.” That would be her preference instead of committing to future sequels.

Paltrow is not as active as she once was with her acting career. She now works as the CEO for the lifestyle brand Goop. 20 years removed from her best actress win for Shakespeare in Love, she stated, “I think that the movies and the business around them have changed so much in the last 20 years. I don’t think any of the movies I’m known for would get made today.”

Regarding the MCU Best Picture nominee, Black Panther, she praised the film, stating, “So if the vernacular in film is superhero movies and they’re great movies, then I guess why not, right? I loved ‘Black Panther.’ I thought it was a really powerful movie and culturally very important. So that’s great that it was nominated. I mean that’s so cool.”

Gwyneth Paltrow will next appear as Pepper Potts in Avengers: Endgame. The upcoming film arrives in theaters on April 26.