It was only five months ago that Milk made its world premiere at the Castro Theatre. Now, San Francisco just might play host to another high-profile debut, this time for a tale sprung from the realm of comic-book fantasy.

Wolverine, the adamantium-clawed hero of X-Men fame, and his real-life alter ego Hugh Jackman could make the Bay Area their first stop before X-Men Origins: Wolverine arrives in theaters across the country on May 1. The catch? Fans must demand the privilege via the Internet.

Promoted as an expression of gratitude to those who have helped make X-Men one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood, the contest (announced by Jackman on YouTube) allows moviegoers to choose the site of the Origins premiere, which will feature the traditional red carpet, plus appearances by the film’s stars. (The testosterone-heavy cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber and Lost's Dominic Monaghan.) Online voting will continue until the winning city is revealed April 20.

Gimmicky? Sure. But what better way to usher in a summer of blockbuster popcorn movies than with a lavish, damn-the-recession party? Think of it as just another way to beat L.A.