It appears the infamous terrorist organization A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics), from the Marvel Comics Universe, will finally have a role in Marvel's cinematic universe through the next much-anticipated installment, Shane Black's Iron Man 3. Spotted on the set today, via Tumblr's HannibalDelarge, the "A.I.M" signage was among props installed to the set in Cary, North Carolina at Epic Games Studios. Check out the photo below!
UPDATE: On Location Vacation has more photos and the scoop on what today's filming consisted of.
"One of our readers, A. K. Trujillo, told us, “The crowd was told to be quiet when shots were filmed outside, or else they would heighten security and ban spectators from watching. [There were] no big action scenes. All actors were in business suits or security uniforms. The director was heard yelling, “Action”, “Turn, Turn, Turn, Turn” and “Cut”.” Though the photos were taken from a distance, you can see a few extras in uniform and a decorated tree that indicates the scene is set during the holidays.
UPDATE #2: Reel Movie Nation has more photos!
In the comics, according to Marvel, A.I.M. is an organization of brilliant scientists and their hirelings dedicated to the acquisition of power and the overthrow of all government by technological means. A.I.M. was organized during World War II as the scientific research division of the subversive military organization Hydra. It supplied hardware and weapons to governmental and quasi-governmental agencies. Some time after this Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. exposed A.I.M. to be a subversive organization. A.I.M.’s activities have been covert since.
A.I.M. also created M.O.D.O.K. (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing), an artificially mutated human being with an enormous head and a stunted body possessing superhuman intelligence and the ability to generate mental energy bolts and forcefields. How will all this fit into the MCU? What do you think?
Described as a “technological crisis thriller,” set in the world of international war, arms & terror, Marvel Studios' “Iron Man 3” stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Andy Lau, Ashley Hamilton, James Badge Dale, with Sir Ben Kingsley and Jon Favreau. Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) takes over directorial duties from Jon Favreau, who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films. Principal photography will occur primarily in North Carolina and China. And “Iron Man 3” is set for release in May 3, 2013.