Emmanuel Itier: What was the attraction of being part of this film?

Gwyneth Paltrow: It was so great, and I never expected to have so much fun. I loved doing it and working with Robert, Jon and Jeff Bridges. All of this was a huge attraction for me, to go back to work after almost three years of not doing anything. Even before I read the script, I have always wanted to work with Jon and Robert Downey, Jr. This combination was an obvious yes. Also, Jeff Bridges is so nice and fun to be around. I really was lucky to be in it.

EI: How would you compare this fantasy movie with the other one you did in the same genre, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow?

GP: Well, that movie was so different. It was like doing an off-Broadway play. It was all shot in a blue room, and we didn´t know what we were doing. I had never done anything like that. It was a very experimental thing. Super interesting to do, but Iron Man is so different. It has a life that precedes the movie and a whole group of people passionate about it. Also, lots of the stunts are practical–there aren´t so many CGI effects, compared to Sky Captain.

EI: And you had a chance to play a kick-ass girl?

GP: Yes, I love my character, “Pepper.” She is very strong, and she is the moral center of the movie. She is amazing. I´m like “Pepper” in a way, because I´m very organized like her. You always bring a big part of yourself in the characters you play. You find parallel things that you have. My only difference with “Pepper” is that I don´t have a complicated relationship with a superhero!

EI: You kind of do…

GP: You´re right… I kind of do have that! My husband is a superhero of his own!

EI: Did you have to train for this movie? Are we seeing you kick ass?

GP: Yes, I did some training for this film and I do have a pretty nice action scene toward the end of the movie. They wanted me in top shape. I did lots of working out, twice a day. Some cardio and then some training with a personal coach that kicked my bootie.

EI: Do you think Iron Man has an appeal for women?

GP: All the relationships make it very good stuff, and I think women will enjoy seeing the film as much as their guys. Also, Tony, played by Robert Downey, Jr., has a quite a special charm and charisma, and this also should attract women. It really is a film for everybody out there. It´s great to be part of a movie with that large scale and budget but still having some strong relationships at the heart of it.

EI: Jon is quite a funny guy. Did he bring some humor to the film?

GP: Yes, there is lots of humor–lots of dark humor in the movie, and this is also another grand element for this picture. Also, my relationship with Tony, Robert Downey, Jr., is very playful and fun.

EI: Beyond the visual treat, what is this movie about for you?

GP: The reason superhero movies appeal so much to people is because it appeals to the side of us where we all know we have untapped potentials and we all have dreams of what we could be and what we could do. We all have sides to ourselves that we don´t understand or are difficult to grasp, and it goes the same for superheroes. I think superheroes have a dark side as well, like us. It´s an amazing metaphor for the struggle to be human. That´s why it resonates so much with people.

EI: Are you looking forward to getting your own action doll when the movie comes out?

GP: Well, not really. I think it´s cool but also weird. I´m a little scared to find out what it will look like.

EI: Did you like having red hair for Iron Man?

GP: I did! It really worked very nicely. And my husband did like it as well.

EI: Will you want to be part of a sequel if the movie is successful?

GP: Definitely! I won´t hesitate a second to be back.

EI: We heard you broke your leg during the shooting!

GP: I fractured my tibia at some point, and I waited and waited and it created a few problems, but we worked it out and I had surgery. It was very painful. But there was an opportunity in it. It ended up being a good thing somewhat…

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