‘Iron Man 3′ Starts Filming, See the First Official Photo!

We've technically known for a week or so now that 'Iron Man 3' has been filming (see those leaked shots on the set of Iron Patriot) but today Marvel officially announced that filming has begun in Wilmington, North Carolina and with that, gave us our first official look at the film.

Though Marvel issued a press release, they weren't exactly forthcoming with information. The synopsis of the film was listed as follows: "'Iron Man 3' continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world’s favorite billionaire inventor/Super Hero, Tony Stark aka “Iron Man."  Okay, even WE could've figured that out.

And in terms of confirming actors that have joined the production, the press release only confirms returning actors like Robert Downey, Jr. (duh), Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Jon Favreau.

But what they weren't giving up in terms of information, they gave up with the first official 'Iron Man 3' photo. While we don't get a good look at Robert Downey, Jr.'s face (c'mon, we know what that looks like anyway), we do get a good look at the many Iron Man armors lined up neatly in a row. Will Iron Man wear an even newer set of armor in 'Iron Man 3?'  You can see the Mark I all the way through the Mark VII below but where's the Mark VIII?...

Click below to see the first official photo from 'Iron Man 3' in hi-res!  'Iron Man 3' hits theaters on May 3, 2013.