Robert Downey, Jr. injured while filming "Iron Man 3"

Wilmington, NC, United States (4E) – Production for the upcoming “Iron Man” movie has been put to a halt Thursday due to an on set injury suffered by its lead actor Robert Downey, Jr.

The actor-superhero hurt an ankle while doing a stunt for his role.

A representative of Marvel Studios told E! News, “Robert Downey Jr. sustained an ankle injury on the set of Iron Man 3 in Wilmington, N.C., while performing a stunt. There will be a short delay in the production schedule while he recuperates.”

The studio, however, did not say when the production, being filmed in Wilmington North Carolina, will resume.

The third leg of the Iron Man series is one of the most anticipated films next year.

“Iron Man 3″ is set to be released on May 3, 2013.