The eagerly-awaited latest addition in the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, has had its world premiere in Los Angeles.

Stars from the original series Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were joined by newcomers like John Boyega and Daisy Ridley at the event.

Security was tight, with a giant tent shrouding the red carpet.

The plot of the film remains a closely-guarded secret and a media embargo on reviews is in place until Wednesday.

But this did not deter fans camping out for days outside the TCL Chinese Theatre, which along with other LA venues screened the seventh Star Wars instalment.

Fans had camped out for days hoping for a glimpse of some of the film's stars. Photo: Reuters

Stormtroopers joined robots C-3PO and R2D2 on the red carpet as the human stars arrived.

"Now we have to live up to what the first films delivered,'' said Harrison Ford, who is returning to his role as Han Solo.

Star Wars' creator George Lucas said of the new entry in the series "it's a film about families and what one generation leaves behind another generation has to deal with".

Newcomer Daisy Ridley plays Rey in the film. Photo: Reuters

The TCL Chinese Theatre - formerly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre - hosted the premiere for the first Star Wars movie in 1977.

Invitations sent to members of the press have asked journalists not to reveal spoilers in their reviews.

The Force Awakens will have its UK premiere in London on Wednesday.

In October some cinema websites collapsed under the weight of demand for tickets.