Nearly seven weeks ago Marvel Studios halted principal photography on Iron Man 3 due to an injury Robert Downey Jr. sustained while shooting a scene that involved a stunt. He had injured his ankle and since today marks his return to set, it was perhaps more serious than most thought at first.

The incident took place while Iron Man 3 was shooting in North Carolina and yesterday production moved to Miami, Florida, shooting scenes at Dania Beach. Downey was in character as Tony Stark but set photos reveal that stand-in suits of the new Extremis and Iron Patriot armor were involved in the scenes as well.

The official press release that came out at the time of Downey's injury made it clear that the production delay would not affect the film's release date, the most important release date of the year, kickstarting the summer tentpole season much like The Avengers did this summer and Iron Man 1 & 2 before it. Downey put smiles on the faces of cast and crew, sharing excitement of his return with his arms wide open.

The following armors were also spotted on set and they're the same two main designs from the Iron Man 3 artwork that made its way online last week, revealing what appears to be an action sequence where Tony Stark and James “Rhodey” Rhodes’ War Machine (Don Cheadle) team-up.

The yellow-red armor is the Extremis (Mark XLVII) design revealed at Comic-Con and the Iron Patriot color scheme on the other blue armor is a new War Machine suit.

-

 Head to Daily Mail for photos from the set and of RDJ's return.

-

According to OLVIron Man 3 will be shooting on location this week at Coconut Grove, Pine Tree Drive between Dade Boulevard and 63rd Street in Miami Beach. If you're in the area, let us know!

Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black based off of his and Drew Pearce’s screenplay, and stars Robert Downey Jr., Ben Kingsley, Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Jon Favreau, Rebecca Hall, Cobie Smulders, William Sadler, James Badge Dale and the voice of Paul Bettany.

Iron Man 3 releases May 3, 2013, Thor 2 on November 8, 2013, Captain America 2 on April 4, 2014 and Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014.

-

Follow Rob on Twitter @rob_keyes.

Sources: OLV, Daily Mail