'Iron Man 3' starts filming at Cary's Epic Games

Cary, N.C. — Superhero fans and the local media got a little taste of Hollywood in Cary Monday as Marvel Studio's blockbuster "Iron Man 3" started its first day of production at the Epic Games studios.

EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington is serving as the base for the high-profile movie starring Robert Downey Jr., but it's also being shot at locations in the Triangle, Miami and China. Interactive Filmed in North Carolina

Fans, along with camera-toting paparazzi photographers, lined up outside the Epic Games studios, where a convoy of RVs, trailers and tents had set up camp.

"I want to see Robert Downey Jr. walking by, cup of coffee in his hand. That's about it. That's as much as I can hope for really," superhero fan Loren Armitage, of Raleigh, said.

Star Don Cheadle, who plays James "Rhodey" Rhodes, was reportedly at the shoot in Cary Monday, but Downey, who plays crime-fighting billionaire inventor Tony Stark, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays Stark's long-time assistant, weren't.

Scenes were being shot inside and outside the Epic Games studios, where a large Christmas tree was set up on the front lawn.

Movie fan Megan Mercer-Bourne said she hadn't been lucky enough so far to see much activity past the perimeter of the shoot.

"Just landscaping," she laughed. "They came and delivered some mulch. They're laying out some flowers now."

Movie fans from as far as New York managed to make their way to Cary, including one man, known only as "Radio Man" because of the big radio he wears around his neck.

"I just love to be around scenes and the set. I love this kind of stuff," he said.

He came with his bike on a bus in hopes of getting in the film. The former homeless man has made more than 100 cameos in TV and films, including movies starring Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman and Pierce Brosnan.

"Iron Man 3" will be shot over the next 10 months and will be released in 2013. State government officials expect that its production will create about 1,550 jobs and generate more than $80 million for North Carolina.

The movie was drawn to North Carolina, in part, by a 25 percent tax credit for production companies spending a minimum of $250,000 that the state has offered since 2010.

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Was watching a TV news report on this yesterday... a crowd had apparently gathered in the Crossroads area and a reporter reported that many had "said" they were there with hopes of "getting a glimpse" of a "star/celebrity". From one perspective there is likely little "harm" in such activity and thought -- but, what is it about many in our society that leads them to often spend much time and effort to seek "a mere glimpse" of a "celebrity" - including athletes, actors, politicians, singers, musicians, etc.? It is not "just kids"... many adults seek to see, even better to get the most fleeting of a "touch" from the hand of a "celebrity" as they walk by. I can recall a time when such was not the case... certainly not to the degree such "adulation" exists today. I've observed parents demonstrating such behavior to their kids and encouraging their kids to follow their example. Com'on!!! Enough of the "celebrity worship"!!!

Objective Scientist
June 5, 2012 2:55 p.m.

I accidentally drove by there last night in an attempt to avoid it (thought it was in a different part of Crossroads) and there was no traffic or issues. Handful of people standing on the sidewalk trying to get a sneak peek and a few cops making sure no one stopped their cars/ tried to drive in/ tried to get on the set.

I wouldn't worry if its going to be near you at any point, if its handled as well for the rest of the days it won't be an issue.

Pepe Silvia
June 5, 2012 9:13 a.m.

I go through Crossroads every work day. Wondered what all the hubub was about yesterday. I'm amazed people would gather outside of a business in hopes to get a glimpse of a movie star. Aren't there much more important things to spend one's time on?

Z Man
June 5, 2012 8:40 a.m.

From my understanding, weather permitting, Weston Parkway between Harrison and 54 will be blocked off from 10 - 3, with limited access while they shoot the scene. I work off Weston. Hope I don't need to leave during the day!

Big Blue
June 4, 2012 7:09 p.m.

Has he lost his mind? Can he see or is he blind? Can he walk at all, Or if he moves will he fall? Is he alive or dead? Has he thoughts within his head? We'll just pass him there why should we even care? He was turned to steel in the great magnetic field Where he travelled time for the future of mankind Nobody wants him He just stares at the world Planning his vengeance that he will soon unfold Now the time is here for Iron Man to spread fear Vengeance from the grave Kills the people he once saved Nobody wants him They just turn their heads Nobody helps him Now he has his revenge Heavy boots of lead fills his victims full of dread Running as fast as they can Iron Man lives again!