Here Is What Happened to Pepper Potts in ‘Iron Man 3′

Pepper Potts, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, has been a significant character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since the first Iron Man movie, it was obvious that she was going to be the one person without who Tony Stark just would not be who he is. However, in Iron Man 3, Pepper’s character arc takes a dramatic turn as she becomes involved in the main conflict of the movie, leading to her life hanging on the balance. This article will explore what happened to Pepper Potts in Iron Man 3.

In Iron Man 3, Pepper Potts is abducted by Aldrich Killian, the movie’s main villain, and injected with Extremis. She experiences extreme agony and torture. However, in the end, she helps Tony to defeat Killian once and for all.

Further in the article, we will provide you with a detailed analysis of Pepper’s story arc in Iron Man 3. We will delve into the events that transpired in the movie and examine how they impacted her character development. From her relationship with Tony Stark to her confrontation with the main antagonist, let’s see all the key moments in Pepper’s journey.

Pepper declines Aldrich Killian’s offer

While Pepper was working alongside Happy, she had an unexpected visit from Aldrich Killian, her old acquaintance. Killian decided to visit Peper and try to persuade her that she and Tony invest and back his company, A.I.M. His company invented a serum called Extremis, a powerful substance that enhances the physical abilities of the human body, including strength, speed, and healing abilities.

Killian did show some remarkable results that he had achieved with Extremis, but Pepper’s main concern was that the serum could be weaponized, so she declined his offer, as she was sure that Tony would do the same well. So, Killian left, but that won’t be the last of him.

Later on, Happy is injured in one of the bombings orchestrated by Mandarin. He is hospitalized and left in critical condition, leading Tony to become even more determined to track down Mandarin and stop his reign of terror. Pepper tries to convince Tony that he should go with her somewhere safe, but then another unexpected visitor comes knocking.

Pepper meets Maya Hansen at the door, Tony’s old fling, and a scientist that came to warn Tony about Mandarin. But she was too late because Mandarin’s helicopter was already outside the mansion and fired missiles toward them. To protect Pepper, Tony commanded one of his suits to form around Pepper so she was safe and he managed to bring herself and Maya to safety.

Later, as Pepper and Maya were driving away to safety, Maya confessed to Pepper that she was the one who invented Extremis and that she worked for Aldrich Killian. She also stated that Killian plans to sell Extremis to Mandarin. Then, when they find a hotel to stay in, it is revealed that Maya still works for Killian and that their plan is to use Pepper as a bargaining chip to get Tony’s help stabilizing Extremis.

Pepper gets injected with Extremis

To lure Tony, Killian abducted Pepper and took her to his mansion. Even though there was no way of knowing whether her body would accept Extremis or not, Killian decided to inject her with the substance, leaving Pepper in agony and her body processing Extremis. When Tony got captured in trying to save her, Killian showed him a live feed of Pepper’s torture and the moment when her body was deciding whether to accept Extremis or explode.

Pepper passed out and was taken onto an oil tanker where the final battle between Tony and Killian will occur. Her body gradually progressed to the second stage of bonding with the Extremis. She confronted Killian, stating that there was no way that Tony would ever join him in his plans. However, Pepper is just a pawn in Killian’s game, and he uses her just to get back to Tony.

The battle between Tony’s Iron Legion and Extremis Soldiers began when Tony and Rhodes arrived at the oil tanker. Tony confronted Killian and sliced his arm off. As Killian’s body was infused with Extremis, his arm was so heated that it melted the floor beneath them. Pepper fell through the floor and got stuck on a gantry when the floor melted. Tony tried to save her, telling her to let go and that he will catch her. But she couldn’t grab Tony’s hand and fell off toward a burning deck of Norco, the oil tanker they were on.

As Pepper fell and was seemingly dead, Tony furiously confronted Killian. As they were fighting, the Extremis in Pepper’s system regenerated her body, and eventually, she helped Tony obliterate Killian once and for all.

Tony promised her that he would stop being so focused on his work only and that he would do whatever it took to find a cure for Extremis in her body. As a final act and symbol of starting anew, Tony ordered J.A.R.V.I.S. to activate the Clean Slate Protocol, which destroyed all Iron Man suits, creating a series of explosions that looked like fireworks.

In conclusion, Pepper had a significant role in Iron Man 3. Once again, she proved that she is, without a doubt, Tony’s better half, and the movie showcased her strength, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to the people she cares about.