Earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Dwayne Johnson confirmed that a live-action Moana movie is in the works.
The animated version was released in theaters in 2016 and grossed nearly $644 million at the worldwide box office. It boasted a soundtrack written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina, while Auli'i Cravalho lent her voice to the title character in what proved to be her breakout role.
Johnson will be back as demi-god Maui, though Cravalho has since confirmed she's handing the role of Moana to another young actress. She's 22, so a return always seemed unlikely, though Cravalho will remain involved as an executive producer.
Now, a casting call for the new Moana has gone out (via The DisInsider) revealing that Disney is looking to cast a 16-year-old from the Pacific Islands to play the teenager.
The character is described as being, "heroic, bold, adventurous, [and] never selfish, she is determined to fulfil the quest of her ancestors and save her people."
The rest of the description is very much in line with the Moana we first met back in 2016, including the fact she'll embark "on a dangerous quest, sailing beyond the reef and using her strength and intelligence to overcome epic obstacles along the way."
In terms of what Disney is looking for, even though they want a strong singer, non-actors and first-timers are being encouraged to apply as no acting experience is required. They're casting a large net, so we'd imagine auditions will begin soon and that a newcomer could end up landing their big break alongside The Rock.
Like its animated predecessor, the film will celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.
No release date for Moana has been announced by Disney.