Spielberg directed the new version of HG Wells' classic
The Tokyo premiere of Steven Spielberg's film War of the Worlds has been cancelled due to security fears.
Film distributor UIP decided to shelve the gala screening on 13 June amid concerns about protecting the picture's stars, including Tom Cruise.
There were also worries about pirate copies of the film being made from illegal recordings at the event.
Some 7,000 Japanese fans who won seats at the premiere are likely to be offered alternative prizes.
Safety concerns
The new film, based on the HG Wells classic about a Martian invasion, is to be released worldwide on 29 June.
In a statement released on its website, UIP said: "To our regret, we have decided to cancel the showing because of safety concerns."
It said there were not sufficient measures in place to provide the film's stars with security during their appearance in front of fans.
Another version of the story, directed by Byron Haskin, was brought to the big screen in 1953.
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