Sneak peek of Iron Man 3 released

Iron Man fans have been given a glimpse into the superhero's impressive wardrobe in the first official photo to be seen from Iron Man 3.

While Robert Downey Jr, who reprises his role as billionaire Tony Stark and Iron Man in the third instalment, is not seen clearly in the picture, the shot shows off seven of his alter-ego's armoured costumes.

Gwyneth Paltrow is back on board as his girlfriend and secretary Pepper Potts, while Don Cheadle plays James 'Rhodey' Rhodes and Jon Favreau - who directed the previous two films - is back as Happy Hogan.

Sir Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce are rumoured to be portraying the villains in Shane Black's film, which will also star Rebecca Hall and Ashley Hamilton.

The film, which is scheduled for release in 2013, has started production in Wilmington, North Carolina.

It will then move to locations in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, before heading to Miami in Florida and China.

Producer Kevin Feige is keeping tight-lipped about the third film.

"Robert and I go to North Carolina... and we start filming Iron Man 3. There will be some scenes in China, because we are doing a co-production with them," he said.