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James Cameron has enlisted his former "Alien" star Sigourney Weaver to play a supporting role in his long-anticipated film, "Avatar."

"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 special significance for fans of science fiction, so in addition to being perfect in all ways for the part, there is something special about her returning to the genre in our film."

Weaver will play the part of mentor to lead actor Sam Worthington who will play disabled war veteran Jake Sully, who is brought to a planet called Pandora, which is full of natural resources. He is supposed to exploit the resources, but eventually changes sides to the locals.

Playing Grace will be weaver who is a "veteran interplanetary explorer," according to Cameron, saying "[Sigourney] has a unique blend of strength, sensitivity and intelligence needed to play the character of Grace, and I was thrilled when she responded so strongly to the script. I can't wait to see what she creates."

Similar to George Lucas and "Star Wars," the major reason for the long wait for the movie has been connected to special effects which will be a huge driver of this movie, which will be released in 3-D.

One extraordinary aspect to the special effects will be the inclusion of a "real-time" virtual camera system, which essentially allows Cameron to direct computer generated characters like he would live action.

Shooting for "Avatar" will begin in April of this year, with a released scheduled for the summer of 2009.