Paramount has postponed the scheduled 8 May Mexican launch of JJ Abrams' Star Trek, although the rest of the cinematic "major territories" will get to enjoy the film on that date, whether potential customers are still alive or not.

The move follows Twentieth Century Fox's decision to knock back the Mexican release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, slated for Friday. Sony, meanwhile, is pondering whether to brave swine flu south of the border and stick to its 15 May premier of The Da Vinci Code sequel Angels and Demons.

The problem Paramount and Twentieth Century Fox now face is when exactly to bless the surviving Mexican population with their movies. As Variety notes, "if the situation improves in Mexico, Fox could open Wolverine in two weeks" - although it might then face competition from Angels and Demons in the lucrative market.

Paramount is "monitoring the situation" regarding a rescheduled Star Trek. ®

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