Weaver reunites with Cameron for "Avatar"

By Nicole Sperling

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Sigourney Weaver is reteaming with director James Cameron for a role in his upcoming sci-fi adventure "Avatar" for 20th Century Fox.

The actress, who was nominated for an Academy Award for "Aliens," her previous collaboration with Cameron, will take on a supporting role alongside lead actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana.

Also joining the cast for Cameron's keenly anticipated follow-up to "Titanic" are Joel David Moore ("Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story"), CCH Pounder ("The Shield"), Peter Mensah ("Hidalgo"), Laz Alonso ("Stomp the Yard") and Wes Studi ("The New World"). Fox confirmed the casting.

In the CGI-intensive film, which will be shot in 3-D, Weaver will play veteran explorer Grace, who serves as a mentor to Worthington's character Jake, a wounded former Marine who leads his indigenous race in an interplanetary battle for survival.

"Sigourney and I have always looked back fondly on our collaboration in 'Aliens,' and we're excited at the prospect of working together again," Cameron said. "She has a unique blend of strength, sensitivity and intelligence needed to play the character of Grace, and she has a special significance for fans of science fiction."

The movie begins principal photography in April, with plans for a summer 2009 3-D release.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter