6. Pepper Potts
Gwyneth Paltrow has slowly, but surely built Pepper Potts up to being a fan favorite among superhero movie love interests. She was the woman who wanted and deserved, but did not quite get Tony Stark in the first film. She finally got her man at the end of the second film and was living with him in
The Avengers. One thing Pepper had never been, though, was on equal footing with Tony Stark. She always had to chase after him whether it was to clean up his messes or get her name on a lease. Her only speaking scene in
The Avengers explicitly lays all of this out, or at least 12% of it. It is immediately apparent that things have changed in
Iron Man 3. For the first time, Pepper carries herself as a strong, powerful woman who is worthy of an equal place by Tonys side. She does not chase after him and even shows willingness to leave him if he does not become an active participant in their relationship. Tony is the one who has to call after her and finally open himself up to her in order to make sure Pepper does not leave him when he needs her most. Beyond her life with Tony, Pepper finally acts like a true chief executive officer at Stark Enterprises. She is decisive and completely confident, having no trouble at all in refusing Aldirch Killians sales pitch. This is a major step up from the Pepper who did not know if she was fit for the job in
Iron Man 2. Pepper Potts is at her absolute best in
Iron Man 3, physically and emotionally saving Tony Stark rather than being the one who needs to be saved.