( EW.com ) -- Robert Downey Jr. injured his ankle on the set of `` Iron Man 3 today , which will force a brief delay in production , Marvel Studios announced . The company released a statement saying the 47-year-old actor hurt himself while performing a stunt . The film has been in production since late May , and the accident occurred in Wilmington , North Carolina . No other details were released . Downey previously told EW he is eager to push the limits with this film . `` I feel like I do n't know where you go after Iron Man 3 . Leave it all on the field , you know ? '' he said . In keeping with those ambitions , it sounds like he sustained a good football injury . It 's not clear how long the production would be put on hold . Marvel said only that it would be `` a short delay '' while he recuperates . Downey 's rep confirmed to EW that the star would be fine , and that they 're still waiting to see how long he 'll need before returning to the shoot . Iron Man 3 is set for release May 3 , 2013 , and that 's unlikely to change . See the full story at EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved .
Downey 's injury halted production of `` Iron Man 3 '' The film has been in production since May . Downey 's rep confirmed to EW that the star would be fine .