Hollywood superstars Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain will tonight attend the European premiere of their new film The Martian in London's Leicester Square.

The screening at the Odeon Leicester Square cinema is also expected to be attended by co-stars Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Jeff Daniels and Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as director Ridley Scott.

The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, played by Damon, who during a manned mission to Mars is presumed dead and left behind by his crew after a fierce storm.

But Watney has survived, and finds himself stranded and alone on the Red Planet. Using all the resources he can muster, he must find a way to survive - and signal to Earth that he is alive.

Against all the odds, he makes contact, and the world unites behind efforts to bring "the Martian" home.

While Nasa and a team of international scientists work tirelessly on a plan to get Watney back to his home planet, his crewmates - headed by Commander Melissa Lewis, played by Chastain - plot a daring rescue mission.

Scott has previously directed acclaimed films including Blade Runner and Gladiator.

The film is based on the best-selling science fiction novel by American author Andy Weir.

:: The Martian will be released in cinemas on Wednesday, September 30.