Wilmington can expect big things from Iron Man 3

Eliza Dillard | Opinion Editor

It looks like 2012 will be an exciting year to live in Wilmington. No, it’s not just a rumor. The popular “Iron Man” franchise will be filming its third movie in Wilmington beginning in 2012. Aside from bringing more attention to Wilmington, “Iron Man 3” will be a huge boost to North Carolina’s economy.

In her official announcement to the state, Governor Bev Perdue stated that at least 550 jobs will be created in Wilmington in order to film the movie. “Iron Man 3” is expected to bring in over $80 million to the local economy in the movie’s 10-month span of filming.

After hearing nothing but despairing news day after day on the current alarming state of the economy, it’s nice to hear that Wilmington can expect a boost starting in January. It’s no secret that things slow down in Wilmington around this time of year because it’s no longer beach season. Local business owners can be relieved this year to know that “Iron Man 3” will bring more business to town in the off-season.

On top of the boost to the economy, “Iron Man 3” will also need around 1,000 extras for filming. Hear that, UNCW students? Now, instead of being extras in low-end television shows like “One Tree Hill” and “East Bound and Down,” you also have a chance to put “Iron Man 3” Extrae on your resume. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out with Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr.?

“Iron Man 3” is the biggest film production to hit North Carolina, and, after it films, who knows what doors will open next for Wilmington. According to a Los Angeles Times interview with EUE/Screen Gems Executive President Bill Vasser, Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington serves as the third-largest film and television-based crew in the country. Wilmington will hopefully host many more big-budget films in the near future. “Iron Man 3” is expected in theaters in May 2013.