Here are two quick updates regarding Joss Whedon’s upcoming “The Avengers” which will begin filming in 2011.

In an interview at the Screen Gems press junket, Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man 2) was asked if her Iron Man 2 character Pepper Potts would make an appearance along side her boss Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in “The Avengers.” Surprisingly she said that she wasn’t, which makes sense since her character isn’t essential. But still, it would have been nice if she did appear in the film even for a minute or two.

If you’re a Paltrow fan, you can watch her in her latest movie “Country Strong,” which opens in limited release December 22nd and everywhere January 7th, 2011. And of course, this isn’t the last of Potts as Paltrow will reprise her role as Potts once again in “Iron Man 3,” which is set to conclude and wrap up “The Avengers,” “Thor” and “Captain America.”

In other news, Lou Ferrigno, who brought The Hulk to life in the original Incredible Hulk TV series, will be involved with “The Avengers” in some capacity. In an interview with Nuke the Fridge, Ferrigno spoke about his involvement in the the new film but does not divulge what his involvement will be. There is a chance however that could provide the voice of the CGI Hulk which is something he’s done previously before. Either that or a cameo much like Stan lee. Whatever the case, it’s just another thing for rabid fans to get excited about.

Source: Collider, Nuke the Fridge