Tom Cruise to star in samurai film

Tom Cruise is expected to start filming his new movie The Last Samurai in January.

It is set in 19th century Japan but shooting will take place in Taranaki in New Zealand.

Cruise plays an American civil war veteran, who travels to Japan as a mercenary.

He helps the Emperor's army against the samurai warlords, reports Taranaki's Daily News.

Director Ed Zwick says Taranaki is an ideal location for the film.

"It's set in Japan which was a pristine place in the 19th century," he said.

"It's not really like that now of course, but New Zealand is. There's the North Island and South Island with their volcanos and green countryside.

"There's a low population here and lots of open space."