Today, the world gets its first look at James Cameron's motion picture epic 'Avatar.' The 'Titanic' director and Twentieth Century Fox are debuting the trailer everywhere, while select cinemas and IMAX theaters plan to show extended footage from the film.

'Avatar' stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Peter Mensah, Laz Alonso, Wes Studi, Stephen Lang and Matt Gerald.

The movie takes us to a spectacular new world, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption, discovery and unexpected love as he leads a battle to save a civilization. The film was first conceived by Cameron 14 years ago, when the means to realize his vision did not yet exist. Now, after four years of production work, the film delivers a fully immersible cinematic experience of a new kind.

While at this year's Comic Con in San Diego, Saldana spoke exclusively to Blackfilm.com's Denzel Walkes about her role in the film and her reasons for taking on the project.

Tell us about your role in the film.

Zoe Saldana: I play a character called Neytiri, and she's from the tribe Na'vi, which is the species that lives on the planet Pandora. She's a typical taming of the shrew. She's this warrior who is very much into the land and her culture and her people. She's taking great offense that these "aliens" have come into their planet and have no appreciation for it.

What was the attraction to the project?

ZS: James Cameron. It's not every day you get a call like, "James Cameron wants to see you for this role." You just know that it's going to be amazing. To go from J.J Abrams to James Cameron is such a wonderful opportunity. It's also beautiful because you know that it's going to be something special. ... It took [Cameron] over 10 years between projects because he works so hard and pays attention to detail. It's undeniably exquisite. That's pretty much what attracted me.

How long were you shooting this film?

ZS: I was cast in the fall of 2006, and I didn't wrap until last fall. After shooting the first nine months on 'Avatar,' I went off, and two months later I started working on 'Star Trek.' At one point, as I was completing filming on 'Star Trek' when I was called back to finish up on 'Avatar.'

How was shooting using motion capture?

ZS: After 'Star Trek,' it was interesting. The live-action part that was shot in New Zealand with Sigourney was done in green screen, and I'm sure it's the same as motion capture. You have to pull a rabbit out of a hat and use your imagination.

This summer, you played Uhura in 'Star Trek.' How do the two roles compare?

ZS: They compare in terms of the characteristics. They are very good at what they do and are very strong-minded, and they follow their hearts.