Los Angeles  - X-Men Origins: Wolverine premiered Monday night in the unassuming Arizona city of Tempe after thousands of fans there won an online competition to host the movie's world debut.

Star Hugh Jackman delighted the crowds by roaring up to the event on a Harley Davidson motorbike and declaring, "I love this place. I'm moving here." He was joined by other stars from the new film including Liev Schrieber, Will.i.am and Lynn Collins.

Fans elsewhere will have to wait till Friday at the earliest to watch the much-anticipated movie. The film had been due for release in Mexico City on Tuesday night but the event was cancelled because of the outbreak of swine flu, which forced many cinemas to close.

"We were not only concerned about Hugh's welfare - and we would never send anyone into harm's way - but we also have an enormous office filled with people we care about," said a spokesman for Twentieth Century Fox. "There was no point in proceeding under the current conditions."