Trailer for James Cameron's 'Alita: Battle Angel' drops

Set in a future dystopia, Alita: Battle Angel tells the story of a cyborg with no memory of who she is or where she comes from.

Producer James Cameron has released a new trailer for his latest labour of love, a screen adaptation of beloved Japanese manga, Alita: Battle Angel.

Cameron has been on the project for almost two decades, securing the rights after he stormed the box office, the Oscars and many hearts with Titanic.

The character of Alita is done by motion-capture performance by actor Rosa Salazar.

But the technology to tell Alita's story wasn't there yet so he's held off until now. While Cameron had to give up directing duties (the endless Avatar sequels took priority), he tapped Sin City helmer Robert Rodriguez as his replacement.

Cameron is still a producer and screenwriter on the movie.

Set in a future dystopia, the story is about Alita, a cyborg with no memory of who she is or where she comes from.

Ido (Christoph Waltz), a doctor, finds her discarded head on a garbage heap, before salvaging her and taking her home.

In her journey to discover the truth about her past and find her strength, she has to battle a corrupt, vicious and deadly threat against Iron City.

Christoph Waltz plays Ido, a doctor, who finds Alita's discarded head on a garbage heap, before salvaging her and taking her home.

The character of Alita is done by motion-capture performance (think Andy Serkis and Golem) by actor Rosa Salazar (Chips, Maze Runner: Scorch Trials) alongside live action performances by Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali and Jackie Earle Haley.

Alita: Battle Angel is released in New Zealand on February 14, 2019.