Kiwi actor part of blockbuster (+ trailer)

'Battleship' is John Tui's first film. Photo / Supplied

Excitement is building for local actor John Tui ahead of the release of the film in which he appears with superstars Rihanna and Liam Neeson.

Tui was relaxing at home in South Auckland this weekend with his proud family, ahead of the arrival of sci-fi thriller Battleship in the cinemas.

"It's Rihanna's first film and my first film," he said. "We shot for 2 months over in Honolulu, Hawaii."

From there, production on the $250 million movie moved to a green screen facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"I loved it. The food was fantastic.

"For someone from South Auckland, it was a huge experience."

Tui, who previously appeared in Go Girls and Power Rangers, was the only New Zealander in the cast - and said he stood out when visiting nearby New Orleans.

"I was the only person walking around in rugby shorts."

Kiwis brought a down-to-earth approach other crew and cast admired, Tui said.

"One thing about us Kiwis is we don't tend to brag too much.

"We're a country that prides itself on hard work and just getting amongst it."

Battleship is set for release in New Zealand next month.