Screen Sirens: Pepper Potts in “Iron Man”

Welcome to the start of a new feature here at Diva Dirt – Screen Sirens! Here I will bridge the gap between our beloved (well, some at least) women of wrestling and the leading ladies gracing the movie screen – whether they be damsels in distress, kick-ass bombshells, dramatic protagonists, or anything in between – we will celebrate the influence and presence of women in the movies and see how they in turn could be connected to the Divas and Knockouts we discuss on this very blog.

This edition is a little late, but after this movie’s huge opening weekend, we just had to make time for it. Of course, I’m referring to “Iron Man”! The critical and commercial darling stars Robert Downey, Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, and Gwyneth Paltrow and tells the story of a billionaire weapons engineer who undergoes a life-changing experience and eventually turns into the metal-suited Iron Man.

The leading lady in this story is Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Pepper is Tony Stark (aka Iron Man)’s personal secretary. She appears to be very straight-laced, but as the film progresses, more and more of her business-like demeanor is stripped away to reveal a more complex and emotional woman.

Her Wikipedia entry reveals more specific attributes: In the comics, for instance, Pepper marries Happy Hogan, Tony Stark’s chauffeur and assistant (portrayed in the movie by Jon Favreau). In the film, the two do not share this connection and Pepper instead seems to be infatuated with Tony. Tony’s “playboy” reputation is held much more intact in the comics, while is seems to diminish completely in the movie following his development into Iron Man. All together, it seems as though Pepper’s role in the film is more of a typical Hollywood take, with the leading lady appearing to be paired with the leading man – but who can argue with that? Robert Downey Jr. in a wifebeater may be hard to resist for some..

So, my question is this: Which Diva or Knockout would best fit the role of Pepper Potts? Make your choice below, and tell us who and why in the comments! (WARNING: I’m aware that this poll is huge – I wanted to include as many women as possible – ludicrous choices or not!)

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