The Lovely Bones premieres in London 

Source: ONE News

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Four years ago London was going ape over Peter Jackson's last feature film King Kong.

Now the city has hosted the world premiere for the Kiwi director's new movie - The Lovely Bones.

There was a royal turnout, for a man now seen as film royalty, for the red carpet event, which was attended by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Stars of The Lovely Bones also made their appearance on the very wet and windy red carpet at London's Leicester Square.

The film, based on the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, has already generated an Oscar buzz.

A story about the afterlife, The Lovely Bones is about a raped and murdered girl, who watches her family's grief from heaven.
 
One early review says the film loses the power of the original book by avoiding showing the violence in the story.

But the stars were putting in a good word for Jackson on the red carpet.

"It was fantastic to work with Pete and the biggest lesson was just to be relaxed," says Saorise Ronan, who plays the main character Susie Salmon in the film.

Susan Sarandon, who plays Grandma Lynn, praised Jackson's generosity and his talent in assembling a really great cast.

Rose McIver, who plays Lindsey Salmon and Carolyn Dando, who plays Ruth, both Kiwis, were also having the time of their lives on the red carpet.

"I think I'll probably believe it when I'm sitting down and can kind of look back on it a bit because tonight has just been so exciting," McIver said.

Dando was a bit nervous about meeting the royals, but she said she hoped she would not let down New Zealand

The stars move from the red carpet at Leicester Square to New Zealand next month where Jackson's beloved embassy theatre in Wellington will host the New Zealand premiere on December 14.

Watch the trailer for The Lovely Bones here!