Robert Downey Jr.: ‘Iron Man 3’ co-star Paltrow makes him ‘feel there’s more to explore in universe’

The World’s Most Beautiful Woman?

That’s nothing, if you’re Gwyneth Paltrow.

Just ask her “Iron Man 3” co-star Robert Downey Jr.

In the latest installment of Marvel Studios’ staggeringly successful superhero franchise, opening Friday, Miss Paltrow returns in an expanded role as Pepper Potts, loyal-assistant-turned-love-interest to Mr. Downey’s Tony Stark.

Mr. Downey and Miss Paltrow — friends since the ’90s — were sitting together for a joint interview promoting their film when Mr. Downey, who has found personal stability and international superstardom in recent years, was prompted to imagine his future. 

“Ultimately, it comes down to relationships,” Mr. Downey said, unremarkably enough. 

Then, “glancing at Miss Paltrow,” according to the Associated Press, the married actor effused: “What keeps driving me to feel that there’s more to explore in this universe is sitting right next to me.”

A recovered drug and alcohol abuser, Mr. Downey has been clean and sober for close to a decade. Just in case you were wondering.

The actor is also married, and hastened to allocate a share of credit to his wife and producing partner Susan Downey. “And my significant other, my partner, is a great, creative producer, and there are ways she is starting to inch me toward that are probably for my highest good,” Mr. Downey said.

In David Germain’s AP account of his interview, the actor — with some help from his inspirational co-star — went on to stress the closeness between his and Miss Paltrow’s families.

“The cool thing is, and speaking of girl power, is [Miss Paltrow] and the missus are friends,” Mr. Downey said.

“I love his wife,” Miss Paltrow confirmed.

“They’re both, like, type-A, organized, and so Susan and Gwyneth organize our ability to stay close and keep our doors open to each other and be current with each other’s lives and each other’s kids,” Mr. Downey explained.

That must be what they call a full recovery.