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Cameron's 'Avatar' to have world premiere in London

The Associated Press Published Thursday, December 10, 2009 7:45AM EST

Steve Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana and Stephen Lang, from left, pose at a photo-call to promote their new movie 'Avatar' in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009. (AP / Markus Schreiber)

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LONDON - Canadian James Cameron's sci-fi extravaganza "Avatar" is getting its first airing before a mass audience in London.

Stars Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana are expected to join the crowds in London's Leicester Square for today's premiere.

The 3D epic about humans taking extraterrestrial form as they explore a distant world is reportedly one of the most expensive movies ever made. It uses cutting-edge digital technology to create dizzying special effects.

The film industry is watching closely to see how audiences respond to Cameron's first narrative film in 12 years. The director is hoping for a hit to match his 1997 blockbuster "Titanic," which has taken $1.8 billion worldwide at the box office.

"Avatar" opens around the world next week.