AirLockAlpha.com

When a strange flu named after an animal is spreading around, the last thing many people want to do is sit in a cramped theater where the virus may be waiting.

Because of that, Twentieth Century Fox is delaying the opening of its X-Men spinoff "Wolverine," that was set to bow this weekend.

"Theaters are closed, and that's why we can't open the film," Fox co-president of international distribution Tomas Jegeus told trade publication The Hollywood Reporter. "It's that simple. But people are more than concerned in Mexico, and it would be stupid an irresponsible to open a film."

Owners of Cinepolis, Cinemex and Cinemark have closed their doors temporarily in Mexico in fear of the disease, however, it's not clear if theaters in the United States and other parts of the world where "Wolverine" is supposed to open will be impacted.

Losing Mexico could have a bit of a cut in the film's worldwide take, maybe costing the Hugh Jackman-led movie a few million dollars. However, "Wolverine" is expected to take at least $100 million in its opening weekend, and it likely won't be a major factor.

Also affected by the closing, if it continues at least another week, is the May 8 opening of "Star Trek XI." It's not clear how people will feel about going to the movies based on the outbreak by then, so it's possible that theaters could remain closed through most of Mexico as May wears on.

"Wolverine" opens worldwide May 1, and is the gateway to the start of the summer movie season that includes "Star Trek" next week, and "Terminator: Salvation" later this month. The summer's biggest movie, however, is expected to be "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," which opens in July.