Marvel has just released the second full-length theatrical trailer for Shane Black’s highly-anticipated Iron Man 3! The trailer is jam packed full of new and exciting footage to get you even more amped up for the film’s release just under two months from now.

 


 

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3rd, 2013.

Well, just when we thought we had seen the last poster for Shane Black’s Iron Man 3, an Instagram user has spotted another awesome poster for the highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film. This could possibly be getting released alongside the new trailer when it hits in just two days. Check it out below.

 

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Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3rd, 2013.

 

Source: Instagram

Another brand new character poster for Shane Black’s Iron Man 3 has been released. This time it features a battle damaged Stark with a group of armors in the background, which includes confirmation of the appearance of the rumored “deep space suit” in the film. We’re edging closer to the release of the film’s second full-length trailer and should expect to see these popping into theaters.

 

ironman3posterwatermark

 

 

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3rd, 2013.

 

Source: Yahoo Movies

Three new images from Shane Black’s Iron Man 3 (as well as a cover) were revealed in the latest issue of Empire Magazine. So, why is Tony Stark wearing an AIM shirt? Maybe we will find out when the new trailer drops in a few weeks.

 

LE subscribers Iron Man 3 cover

 

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Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3, 2013.

 

Source: Empire Magazine

Well, it looks like everyone is getting their own character posters for Shane Black’s Iron Man 3. The latest to join the batch is a poster featuring Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts holding a damaged helmet from one of Tony’s armors. Check it out below.

 

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Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3rd.

We’ve seen a few non-Tony Stark character posters released over the past few weeks for Shane Black’s highly-anticipated Iron Man 3. Today another one has been released, this time featuring Ben Kingsley as the film’s main antagonist, The Mandarin! Check it out below.

 

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Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3rd.

Marvel has unveiled a brand new poster for Shane Black’s highly-anticipated Iron Man 3! The poster features Rhodey (Don Cheadle) suited up in the Iron Patriot armor. Check it out below.

 

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Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3″ pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3rd, 2013.

We all know why you watched the Superbowl. It was for Marvel Studios Iron Man 3 spot! Or was that just us? Well, now that you’ve seen the Superbowl spot, check out an awesome extended preview for the highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film featuring plenty of brand-new exciting bits of footage.

 

 

Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3″ pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

 

Iron Man 3 suits up theaters May 3rd, 2013.

It’s been revealed via the Marvel Cinematic Universe Facebook page that next week not only will Marvel unveil a new poster for Iron Man 3 but also a sneak peek at the Super Bowl TV spot. It’s only another four short months until Marvel Studios “Phase Two” begins.

 

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Iron Man 3 suits up and hits theaters May 3rd.

 

Source: Facebook

During this year’s annual UK Toy Fair, the LEGO showroom featured an exclusive look at their upcoming sets based on Marvel’s Iron Man 3. No photos were allowed but website Brick Fanatics posted the descriptions of the sets, and one in particular stands out.

 

79007  – Iron Man Malibu Mansion Attack includes Tony Stark,Iron Man MK42, Pepper Potts, Mandarin  and pale green bad guy we were not allowed to know name of.

 

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Not long ago it was revealed that Wang Xuequi would be joining the cast of the highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film as Chen Lu the alias of Radioactive Man. While using the character in a LEGO set doesn’t necessarily mean the charcter will indeed appear in the film, there have been numerous rumors of his appearance that even include a rumor of him appearing post-credits with an introduction to Ant-Man in the MCU. Guess we’re going. to have to wait and see if these rumors end up being true when the upcoming threequel hits theaters on May 3rd.

Iron Man 3 will be the fourth film from Marvel Studios to be digitally re-mastered and hit IMAX theaters. The film will also be getting an early IMAX release and hit theaters starting April 25 internationally and domestically on May 3. Check out the full press release below:

 

iron-man-3-imax-1

 

“Marvel and IMAX are a perfect one-two punch and the ‘Iron Man’ franchise has become a global phenomenon that resonates with fans around the world,” said Greg Foster , Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We look forward to moviegoers experiencing this highly-anticipated next installment of Tony Stark’s latest adventures in IMAX 3D.”

“With ‘Iron Man 3’ building on the events of ‘Marvel’s The Avengers,’ audiences are in for yet another incredible moviegoing experience from Marvel Studios,” said Dave Hollis , Executive Vice President of Motion Picture Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer that to fans in the larger-than-life action of IMAX 3D.”

The IMAX 3D release of Iron Man 3 will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

 

Not long ago it was revealed that Chinese actor Wang Xuequi had joined the cast of Iron Man 3 and reports came in that the actor was playing Chen Lu, the civilian alias of Marvel villain Radioactive Man. Deadline has now confirmed that the actor will be playing Dr. Wu, a variation of the character, and will indeed have a villainous role in the sequel. However, the role “is not a huge part” and there is no word if the character will actually transform into Radioactive Man in the film.

Marvel and DMG Entertainment have also just released two new Iron Man 3 images showcasing the Chinese actor’s role in the highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film.

You want more Iron Man 3 footage? Well, here you go. Walt Disney Japan has revealed via their official YouTube a short alternate trailer for the film with all new footage for you to check out.

Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3, 2013.

Source: Examiner

Marvel is just teasing us left and right. Can it just midnight already?! Check out the second teaser for the trailer to Iron Man 3, which includes a first look at Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian. Be sure to check back for the full trailer which we will have up tonight at 12:01!

Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Iron Man 3 suits up in theaters May 3, 2013.

Just ahead of the trailer being released at midnight tonight, the first still photos have been officially released for Marvel Stduios Iron Man 3. The images feature Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow in their Tony Stark and Pepper Potts roles, and a first official look at James “Rhodey” Rhodes’ (Don Cheadle) in the upgraded War Machine armor, The Iron Patriot.

Just days ahead of the release of the trailer of Marvel Studios highly-anticipated Iron Man 3, which could honestly be an understatement, Walt Disney Pictures have released the full synopsis for the film.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of Tales of Suspense (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with The Invincible Iron Man (#1) in May of 1968.

Iron Man 3 is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Alan Fine, Charles Newirth, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Source: Stitch Kingdom

Well, if you didn’t expect this one…you should have. The terrorist organization The Ten Rings that captured Tony Stark in the first Iron Man will be returning for Shane Black’s Iron Man 3. The name of the organization was originally a wink to fans of the comics who knew that one of Iron Man’s most famous opponents, The Mandarin, had ten magical rings he would wear that would give him powers.

You can see the organization’s logo in the banner behind Mr. Stark. The same logo that appears on these hats:

It is highly likely that the group will obviously have ties to the movies antagonist, The Mandarin. However, the actual details of those ties are unknown at the moment. A trailer is expected to be released in the coming weeks and just like the rest of you I can’t wait for Phase Two to start.

Source: LR

Doing some promo work for the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release for Marvel’s The Avengers Blu-ray and DVD release, Marvel co-president, Louis D’Esposito, discussed the studios upcoming projects and revealed a bit of information about Ant-Man as well as when we can expect to see the trailer for Shane Black’s Iron Man 3.

When he was asked about Wright’s Ant-Man test reel that was shown at this years San Diego Comic-Con that was recently revealed to be getting polished up to be released to the public, D’Esposito stated:

“Yes, I think so. Edgar is just adding the finishing touches and then we will once again make the final visual effects editing. The process is almost complete. Then we will decide when and how we can make it available to the fans. We are more than happy with it. He’s a great filmmaker and we look forward to.

I was there when he made the test reel. I now know how it works and it’s going very methodical and planned. First, he designed the concept, then the storyboard, then he produced an animatic, so he knows exactly what he’ll turn. Every morning we visited him, and he had added new material, which we then looked at together. He is a passionate filmmaker and it that’s contagious. We’ve only looked at it yesterday and every time we see it, then we think, ‘Wow! We can not wait to make this film!’”

Then came the subject of the actual Ant-Man film, which is rumored to begin filming next year after director Edgar Wright completes his next film At World’s End, D’Esposito was asked if we would see the film as part of Phase Two to which he replied:

“I’m not sure, so I can not make a definitive statement. Once we know the more accurate schedule, we will make this announcement publicly.”

Then came the subject of the footage fans are patiently waiting to see, the trailer for Iron Man 3. So, when will a trailer be released?

“I [don’t?] have the exact date…it’s just not ready. But I think it is mid to late October, you can watch a first teaser trailer.”

Even though I have already seen the footage from San Diego I can’t wait for it to be released and watch them over and over again. I actually can’t wait for Phase Two to start…can you?

Source: Filmjunkies

So, over the course of time from Iron Man up until The Avengers, we’ve seen Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark go through seven different Iron Man armors. This year at San Diego Comic-Con we saw a new armor that inverted the red-gold color scheme, and most people had assumed this was the Mark VIII armor. Well, turns out we all may have been quite wrong.

[Warning: Possible spoilers lie ahead!]

According to Latino Review (who tend to be quite reliable with Marvel Studios news), The Mandarin’s (Ben Kingsley) Extremis goons are going to be too powerful for Stark solo.

The Extremis-enhanced bad guys under direction of Ben Kingsley’s Mandarin villain are going to be too much for Tony to handle on his own, so he thinks ahead, thinks big and has a plan. Tony’s about to go out and fight some bad guys when he mentions the Mark XLVII to Pepper Potts. Pepper asks what happened to the other forty and Tony just smiles.
From the cockpit of Mark XLVII Tony is able to control multiple armors in battle. We over here at LR have been vaguely aware of an action scene where Tony was going to control multiple Iron Man suits (presumably they look similar to distract his enemies as to the location of kill-able Iron Man Prime), but the number 40 seems…awesome. 40 Iron Men.

This is definitely no far-fetched idea due to Tony Stark has sent out controlled armors in the comics before. Could this be one fantastically visual spectacle along the lines of the final battle in The Avengers or another high hopes that fizzled battle such as Iron Man 2? Honestly, I think this movie is going big. Marvel Studios has had to have taken note of the fans disappointments in the last chapter in the franchise and would not be stupid enough to repeat it again. So, what are your thoughts on this one?

So, if you haven’t seen the new suit that Tony Stark will be donning in Iron Man 3 by now…you may be a bit behind. However we have some new concept art featuring the suit in action for you to check out. The suit looks fantastic on screen from the footage that I have seen.

Described as a “technological crisis thriller,” set in the world of international war, arms & terror, Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3” stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Andy Lau, Ashley Hamilton, James Badge Dale, with Sir Ben Kingsley and Jon Favreau. Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) takes over directorial duties from Jon Favreau, who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films. Principal photography will occur primarily in North Carolina and China. And “Iron Man 3” is set for release in May 3, 2013.

Source: Stark Industries

Well it look’s like next week if you are attending San Diego Comic-Con you will be able to snag one of these posters for ‘Iron Man 3’ featuring some of the concept art. Tony Stark? Check. Extremis armor? Check. Awesome? Check.

Source: EW

Not that we didn’t know it was coming already but now we have times for the Marvel Studios and Walk Disney Studios panels at SDCC 2012. Marvel will most likely be presenting footage from ‘Iron Man 3’ as well as giving updates such as casting on ‘Thor 2’, ‘Captain America 2’ and a sequel to ‘The Avengers’. We should also expect information about their other projects which are currently rumored to be ‘Ant-Man‘, ‘The Black Panther’ and ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy‘.

Marvel Studios: Saturday, July 14th 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Hall H) – Marvel Studios presents Iron Man 3. Join Producer Kevin Feige and special guests as they provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures: Thursday, July 12th 2:05pm – 3:05pm (Hall H) – A Q&A panel featuring the imaginative director of Frankenweenie, Tim Burton; A special look at the world of Oz The Great and Powerful with director Sam Raimi; the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wreck-It Ralph, including John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman and director Rich Moore.

An awesome spoiler lies ahead! You have been warned! Today via HannibalDelarge’s Tumblr a set image from ‘Iron Man 3’ popped up that featuring the logo of a familiar group…

 

The the infamous terrorist organization A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics) apparently will have a role in ‘Iron Man 3’? Now that is unexpected.

Unfamiliar with A.I.M.? Well, A.I.M. is an organization of brilliant scientists and their hirelings dedicated to the acquisition of power and the overthrow of all government by technological means. A.I.M. was organized during World War II as the scientific research division of the subversive military organization Hydra. It supplied hardware and weapons to governmental and quasi-governmental agencies. Some time after this Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. exposed A.I.M. to be a subversive organization. A.I.M.’s activities have been covert since.

A.I.M. also created M.O.D.O.K. (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing), an artificially mutated human being with an enormous head and a stunted body possessing superhuman intelligence and the ability to generate mental energy bolts and force fields.

Does this mean we could get a A.I.M./Hydra team-up in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? May we get a M.O.D.O.K. easter egg of perhaps an appearance?

SPOILER WARNING! You have been warned of the awesome spoiler ahead.

The Iron Patriot armor has been spotted on the set. And its not Tony Stark nor Norman Osborn (well obviously) wearing it.

The Superficial posted up these pics of The Iron Patriot armor being worn by James Badge Dale who will be playing Coldblood-7.

How rad is that armor?

‘Iron Man 3’ suits up May 3, 2013.

Well, instead of making two small posts i’m going make a Iron Man super post.

First things first. If you haven’t already heard… after AvX alot of the creative teams are going to get shook up and switch onto different titles. And apparently one of the most solid of the rumors is that the current Uncanny X-Men team, Kieron Gillen and Greg Land, will be taking over on The Invincible Iron Man.

Kieron Gillen had even previously mentioned at Kapow that “many comics creators want to write Tony Stark right now.” And it looks like he may be the one getting that chance. I know this may not be well received by some fans but i’ve really dug what they’ve done on Uncanny… so im going to give it a shot myself.

Now onto some news that will probably “excite” (for lack of a better word) some fanboys. I’ve been revealing a bunch of male cast additions to “Iron Man 3” this week and now it looks like i’ve got a possible female cast addition or two to add.

Yahoo is reporting that DMG Entertainment, the Chinese arm that will be co-producing “Iron Man 3” with Walt Disney is in talks with actress Fan Bingbing’s agents and are preparing to begin talks on her to appear in the film.

DMG also revealed that they have also contacted Chinese actress Yao Chen for a role as well.

Yes please.

“Iron Man 3” suits up May 3, 2013.

 

 

Deadline is reporting that actor James Badge Dale is in talks to join Iron Man 3. Badge Dale  would play a villain named Savin in the movie. Nothing else is known about the role at this time.

James Badge Dale may be familiar to people for his staring roles on TV shows such as HBO’s The Pacific, AMC’s Rubicon, and Fox’s 24. He has also had roles in films The DepartedShame, and The Grey. He will next be seen in The Lone Ranger and World War Z.

Iron Man 3 begins shootings in 2 weeks in North Carolina as well as China. It is shaping up quite nicely, Shane Black is writing and directing the film. Stars Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle are all set to return. They will be joined by Sir Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, Andy Lau, and Rebecca Hall. The film is set for release May 3, 2013.

 

The fine folks over at Deadline are reporting that Jessica Chastain, last seen in “The Tree of Life” and “The Help,” is back in talks with Marvel for a role opposite Robert Downey Jr in “Iron Man 3”. The role is a “sexy” scientist that’s every bit as smart as Tony Stark. Shane Black is writing and directing “Iron Man 3” and it is reportedly heavily influenced by Warren Ellis’ six-issue “Extremis” arc. Is it possible that Ms. Chastain will be playing Maya Hansen, a character from “Extremis”, who was indeed a “sexy” scientist?

This casting announcement comes hot on the heels of the recent (possible) casting announcements of Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley. “Iron Man 3” is shaping up to have quite the stellar cast. As always, we fine geeks here at Geekscape will keep you posted with any new announcements we come across.

As reported by Variety, Guy Pearce is in final talks to play geneticist Aldrich Killian in Shane Black’s “Iron Man 3”. Why not make a giant move like this after last week’s “Lockout” landed with a thud. Things aren’t all bad for Pearce though. He’s in Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus” coming out on June 8th.

The good news revealed in the article is that the third movie will be based largely on Warren Ellis’ “Extremis” storyline from a few years ago.

As reported by Variety:

Shane Black is helming the film, that brings back Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Iron Man, along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson also set to return to the franchise. Ben Kingsley is set to play the villain.

Plot will borrow elements from Warren Ellis’ six-issue “Iron Man: Extremis” comicbooks, that also heavily influenced the first “Iron Man” pic, and focuses heavily on the spread of a virus through nanotechnology.

In the books, Killian co-created the Extremis technology that Iron Man adopts after Killian sells it to terrorists.

Production on the film begins in May, with lensing to take place around North Carolina.

Disney has skedded “Iron Man 3” for May 3, 2013.

This is some interesting news over at Deadline Hollywood. It was announced today, that The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment announced that Iron Man 3 will be co-produced in China.

This is evidence of a relaxing Chinese foreign film quota and a recent increase in Chinese capital being invested into Hollywood and Silicon Valley entertainment companies.  As part of the deal, and in order to receive a portion of the government fund, some of Iron Man 3 has to be filmed in China using local talent.

So of course the question has to be asked: Is The Mandarin going to finally be an Iron Man movie villain? In interviews, director Shane Black has denied having the Asian Mandarin character show up (and he was in Predator so why would we doubt him) but could things have changed? After Iron Man 1, I thought that The Mandarin would be represented in the Marvel movie universe solely as a terrorist organization but could it be represented as one man? Let’s just hope that they keep out the racist stereotypes. Or at least the pigeon English.

The Avengers is still a few weeks away, but we’re getting our first real news on Iron Man 3 casting already. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Oscar winning actor Ben Kingsley is in negotiations to play a villain role in the upcoming sequel. According to insiders, the part is possibly not that of the main villain though. Although Iron Man’s #1 comic book bad guy the Mandarin has been hinted at since the first movie, it is far from a sure thing he’ll be the one Kingsley plays, or even be in the movie at all.  The original Mandarin was a Fu-Manchu like racist caricature of communist China, and his ten magic rings are a bit too much like Green Lantern for Marvel’s taste.

If the Mandarin does show up in Iron Man 3, it is a pretty safe bet he won't be looking like this.

If the villain is the Mandarin, he’ll probably be totally re-invented for the big screen. Iron Man 1 and 2 director Jon Favreau hinted heavily towards revealing the Mandarin as the big bad in the third part of the trilogy, but he’s no longer directing, Shane Black is. Still, Favs remains an executive producer, so he might still have some pull to get the Mandarin in. of course, even if the Mandarin is in the movie, Kingsley could still be playing someone else entirely. Remember he’s only rumored to be a villain, not the villain.

The current rumors are that Iron Man 3 would take a cue from the Extemis storyline by Warren Ellis and artist Adi Granov that ran in Iron Man #1-6 back in 2005. In that story, Tony Stark is injected with a form of Captain America’s super soldier formula mixed with nano bots, making him less of a man in a suit and more or a literal iron man. This is probably one of the more acclaimed runs of Iron Man’s book in recent memory, and would probably make a great plot for a movie.