GWyneth Paltrow swore she was done with cinema. The world of Hollywood bored her. Yes, every now and then he returned to the set, but for a few days, and only to see old friends. For example Wes Anderson and his clique of eccentrics, Bill Murray, the Wilson brothers, the Coppolas… Time and energy were now all concentrated on Goopthe wellness and lifestyle brand created in 2008, that small and exclusive world made of subtle pleasures, singular and curious objects and products, perfumes, aromas and smells in search of new sensations which had quickly transformed into a solid business: in 2020 Goop was already worth 250 million dollars.
Last but not least, there were the children, Apple and Moses, to raise, and she wanted to always be present, follow them. After her amicable divorce from rock star Chris Martin (leader of Coldplay), Paltrow remarried seven years ago to producer Brad Falchuk and with him she claims to have finally found stable and authentic love. But now the children are grown up (21 and 19 years old respectively) and have left the nest. And, perhaps, now her perfect image of a woman with style to spare, omnipresent for years on every cover that counts, imitated by hundreds of women who aspire to succeed in the business world, is starting to bore her.
So one fine day, between meditations, yoga, skin products and the launch of vegan, macrobiotic and protein dishes that are selling like hot cakes among her fans, the Oscar-winning actress urgently feels the need for something to stimulate her creativity as an artist againand decides to return to acting. When they offer her the role in Marty Supreme of the former star on sunset boulevard who capitulates to an impetuous and impertinent boy – played by the absolute star of the latest generation, Timothée Chalamet – how can you say no?
Gwyneth Paltrow between wellness and Hollywood
“What I find important is to renew yourself, know when to stop, and then start again” Gwyneth has often declared. He told me this way back in 1995, in one of our first interviews (it was for Moonlight and Valentino and had just finished filming Emma): «I love my job, but I don’t consider it my life. No, it’s not really my life!he had confessed. And immediately afterwards, he added: «Do you know what I’d like instead? Playing a strong, strong-willed, restless woman. A somewhat dark creature, in short.” Gwyneth was 23 years old at the time.
I meet her on Zoom, and as soon as she sees behind me a study full of books, films, photographs and messy paper she says to me, in Italian: “What a mess you live in!” and laughs. It’s his way of telling me that deep down it’s always nice to meet again, even after so many years.
Kay is a strong, intractable and vaguely dark woman. What attracted you to the character?
The idea of playing a complicated woman. Kay desperately needs stimulation, a spark of energy that will make her feel emotions again. She knows full well that Marty (Chalamet’s character) is a hustler looking for money and success, but she needs something he can give her. He thinks that, perhaps, with Marty he can recover his sexuality and his career as an artist. How can you blame her? We must not forget that we are talking about the 1950s when women were locked in a cage.
Kay has a life and experiences very different from yours: was it difficult to identify with her?
I was worried, there are substantial differences between me and Kay. But when I shot the first scene of the film, I felt at home again. As a middle-aged woman (she’s 53, ed), I am a person who reflects on their goals, on the second part of life. Kay is looking for meaning, she must understand how to find harmony with her heart again. And he tries.
Gwyneth Paltrow with Timothée Chalamet in “Marty Supreme” 2026, which marks her return in front of the camera. (Photo: [email protected])
And Marty offers her this chance?
Yes, because I believe it is right to accept anything that helps you find yourself. It is unfair to judge a woman because she has a younger partner. In recent years we have seen several films that explore this type of relationship and the public follows them with interest. As you get older you become invisible. But that’s not the case at all. Women in their 40s are willing to find feelings again and have a good sex life. We know ourselves much better, we are no longer afraid of being who we are. My mother’s friends (actress Blythe Danner, ed) were very excited about the romantic scenes with Timothée Chalamet. Today women are happy to be seen next to a younger man.
Today, to shoot sex scenes, there is an obligation to have an “intimacy consultant”. Do you like the idea?
I think it’s a direct consequence of the #MeToo movement. It’s still a great idea, especially when I think of my daughter Apple who is taking her first steps in this world.
You have always been unconventional in your life choices, would you define yourself as a feminist?
It’s funny because just the other day my collaborators and I asked ourselves the meaning of Goop in the female world. I am of the opinion that we live in a sort of new feminism in which women feel the right to explore themselves, without having to please others. I believe there are new opportunities to assert one’s identity. This for me is the new feminism: cultivating the strength that comes from within us and not what comes to us from the outside world. Returning to acting after years spent in the business world couldn’t have been easy. In reality, the life of an entrepreneur is interesting, it excites me. Artists and entrepreneurs are very similar, two sides of the same coin. I confess it without problems: I have never regretted the decision to leave the cinema.
Gwyneth Paltrow with children Apple and Moses Martin at the New York premiere of A24’s “Marty Supreme” on December 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Gwyneth, do you want to admit once and for all that the real reason for your return to the scene was Timothée’s irresistible charm?
The “TC” factor (Timothée Chalamet, ed.) only hit me when we started shooting. Tim was a real find. He is someone who thinks with his head, he is original. He has infinite talent and in this film he reaches a new artistic and expressive level that makes him a film star, he has a success that he richly deserves. It gives face to an entire generation.
Finally, can you name some actresses that you admire and can keep up with such talent?
If we go back over the years, among the actresses I looked up to, I would have immediately mentioned Julia Roberts, of whom I have always been a fan. She is elegant, intelligent and has a strong sense of herself. I would also say Cameron Diaz, who is one of my closest friends, because she is brilliant, funny and crazy. Then, it is a must to mention Meryl Streep, because she continues to amaze us with the complexity and subtle nuances of her performances. They are all women who have deeply inspired me.
Recently you also mentioned Jennifer Lopez with admiration.
Yes, because she is so courageous and continues to express herself in many fields: she is an incredible woman. When you get into your fifties, female examples like Jennifer Lopez or Nicole Kidman become noticeable. I’m actually in the group too, can I? (Smiles, ironically). We must recognize a significant number of other actresses and artists who show the world that you don’t die at the age of 50. That is rather the moment in which one finally becomes master of oneself.
