Bourne Legacy Premieres in New York: Rachel Weisz Dazzles on Red Carpet

The attention was squarely on English actress Rachel Weisz, when she graced the red carpet premiere of her film The Bourne Legacy at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City.

Weisz looked elegant in a Dior black tube dress that she teamed with a pair of transparent Christian Louboutin shoes that were styled with a number of black bows. The 42 year old actress' outfit turned heads, particularly when the side thigh-high split in the gown became evident. The ensemble was accessorised with Bvlgari jewellery and a domino-shaped clutch.

Meanwhile, co-star Jeremy Renner, who replaced long-standing lead actor Matt Damon (as a new character), looked impeccable in a two-piece black suit and was all smiles as he posed for the cameras with Weisz by his side. The premiere was also attended by co-stars Rene Russo, Edward Norton, Oscar Isaac, Stacy Keach and Dennis Boutsikaris.

Renner plays the role of rogue CIA agent Aaron Cross, while Weisz is a research scientist and Norton plays a retired colonel - the film's antagonist. The film's director, Tony Gilroy, spoke to American television show Nightline and said he felt Renner was perfectly cast.

"It's no secret what a massive search we had to find this character," Gilroy, who wrote the screenplay for the three previous films in the series, told New York Daily News, "You needed someone who is just bad ass. He just has to be that guy. There has to be a high level of integrity in it and in an interesting way. Jeremy had all those things."

Renner admitted he took some time to consider his options before accepting the role.

"I initially was saying no in my head because I had to sort of go through a process, a personal process, with my family and not just jump at the chance," the two time Academy Award-winning actor told ABC News, "Because, of course, I wanted to -- this is a Bourne franchise. It becomes a long, long, long, long hike up a big, big mountain and it feels a little bit more precious I suppose at the top," he said. "It's a great -- gratifying, blessed experience to feel."

The fourth instalment of the Bourne series will be in theaters on 10 Aug.