'Iron Man 3' filming underway in Wilmington

[ingu]

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Whether on set or on location, "Iron Man 3" has started filming right here in the Cape Fear.

According to sources inside the movie, "Iron Man 3," code-named "Caged," is finally underway. Screen Gems Studios was busy Wednesday as the cast and crew got to work.

The StarNews reports Stark Industries may hit the streets as early as next week, filming on location on Chesnut Street, according to a permit issued by the city.

Because of all the hype surrounding iron man right now, some say the area is receiving extra attention.

"With 'The Avengers' in the movie theaters right now, and it's very popular, the buzz around this project is the biggest buzz we've ever seen around any project here maybe ever," said Jeff Hidek of the StarNews and editor of the book "Wilm on Film."

Filming tends to go quickly, and some say they are equally as excited about the side effects that may come from the blockbuster filming in Wilmington.

"We still have 'One Tree Hill' fans that come here to make their trip to Mecca, as it were, and see where it was filmed, and I'm curious if 'Iron Man 3' will have the same kind of legacy when it leaves," Hidek said.

For now, Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., and the rest of the cast, including the likes of Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sir Ben Kinglsey, are laying low, but Wilmington residents may soon see their favorite stars and sights in the area and on the big screen.

According to the governor's office, the $200 million production will provide 550 jobs in the area and may give thousands of people their big break as extras on the silver screen.

Source