Gwyneth Paltrow has sparked excitement among Marvel fans by hinting at a potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). During an interview with Boston, the actress, who has portrayed Pepper Potts since the franchise’s inception in 2008 with Iron Man, suggested, “I might be in another Marvel movie.” This revelation raises questions about her involvement in upcoming projects, particularly as the Multiverse Saga approaches its conclusion in 2027.
In recent years, the MCU has launched into Phase 6, beginning with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in 2025. However, the slate of upcoming releases is dwindling, with the franchise poised to reset for Phase 7 after the much-anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for December 17, 2027. Paltrow last appeared as Pepper Potts in Avengers: Endgame, where she played a crucial role in the battle against Thanos.
While it remains unclear whether Paltrow has already filmed scenes for an upcoming project, speculation surrounds her potential participation in several forthcoming films. One possibility is Avengers: Doomsday, which recently completed principal photography on September 19, 2025. Although Paltrow was not included in the initial cast announcement during Marvel Studios’ surprise live-stream on March 26, 2025, Marvel’s chief creative officer, Kevin Feige, indicated at CinemaCon on April 3 that the complete roster of characters had yet to be disclosed.
The potential for Paltrow’s return is further emphasized by the recent announcement of Robert Downey Jr.‘s return to the MCU as Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom. This twist could set the stage for an emotional narrative arc, particularly following the death of Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame. Additionally, the introduction of a multiverse concept could allow for a variant of Pepper Potts, broadening the narrative possibilities.
Another film that could feature Paltrow is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, currently in production with Tom Holland reprising his role as Peter Parker. The film is set to be released on July 31, 2026, and Paltrow’s appearance would add a comedic touch, especially given her previous humorous admission of forgetting her role in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
With the MCU audience eagerly anticipating these upcoming releases, Paltrow’s hint may create a buzz leading into 2026. Fans will be keen to discover if she appears in either Avengers: Doomsday or Spider-Man: Brand New Day, or if her comments were a subtle nod towards Avengers: Secret Wars.
As the MCU evolves and continues to engage its global audience, the excitement surrounding potential character returns remains a defining feature of the franchise’s enduring popularity.
