Tempe wins 'Wolverine' premiere
Roll out the red carpet.
Harkins Cine Capri at Tempe Marketplace will host the world premiere of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," by virtue of winning an online contest held by Twentieth Century Fox. Star Hugh Jackman is scheduled to attend the gala, which is set for Monday, April 27.
"These fans have driven the success of the"X-Men"franchise over the years, and (the contest) has been a chance to say, 'This is for you,' " Jackman, who stars as the title character in the prequel, told USA Today.
"People were so excited to get involved, and it was just amazing," Jackman said. "I do love meeting the fans, particularly with these movies. I know how passionate they are, and I love to share it with them."
The race, which could be tracked on a virtual map on the "Wolverine" site, was close throughout. As late as the end of last week, Tempe and Davis, Calif., were virtually tied. Fans entered a ZIP code after visiting the "Wolverine" site; the city with the most votes won the premiere. Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman and Harkins owner and CEO Dan Harkins hosted a rally Wednesday, and a voting party was held at Tempe Marketplace Friday night to drum up participation.
Were ecstatic! Harkins said in a statement. To host an event of this caliber is certainly something the city of Tempe and the entire Valley should be proud of. I want to thank each and every person who took the time to vote and coordinated voting efforts. Because of them, Hollywood is coming to Tempe. Im always happy to have such incredible support from the community, but this is really something special..
The film opens nationwide May 1.
