Big crowds for Stormbreaker debut

Rising star Pettyfer with Ewan McGregor at the premiere

The first film featuring teenage spy Alex Rider, from the bestselling children's books by Anthony Horowitz, had its world premiere in London.

UK newcomer Alex Pettyfer has the lead role in Stormbreaker, which pits the young spy against an evil businessman.

Pettyfer, who won the lead role ahead of more than 500 rivals, stars alongside Ewan McGregor, Mickey Rourke, Bill Nighy and Alicia Silverstone.

Huge crowds greeted the stars at the event in Leicester Square.

The British film goes on release in the UK on Friday.

Pettyfer said he was not worried about the prospects of becoming so famous at a young age.

He said: "If you have a crowd like that and you were getting a buzz from it then it doesn't matter."

The 16-year-old arrived at the premiere wearing a leather jacket with a union jack on the back.

'Wise head'

Co-star McGregor was full of praise for his young colleague, saying he had "a very wise head on his shoulders".

The Scottish actor said he had had "a great time" making the film, which was shot entirely in the UK and on the Isle of Man.

Bill Nighy and Alicia Silverstone were also in attendance

"It is very important we make films like this," he told reporters. "We are not known for our action films."

Stormbreaker is based on the first of six Alex Rider novels, which have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

It follows the boy's discovery that his late uncle was a spy, and that he has prepared Alex for espionage by training him in scuba diving, mountaineering, marksmanship and martial arts.

He is then recruited by the Special Operations Division of MI6, and armed with an array of gadgets.

Horowitz adapted the book himself and the film is directed by Geoffrey Sax, who made 2005 sci-fi drama White Noise.