It was previously reported that “Moana” is the title of Disney’s next animated feature, says Movie Pilot. However, the studio still has not found the right person for the voice of Disney’s first Polynesian princess despite the movie being reportedly slated for a November 2016 release.
The studio now broadened their search by leaving New Zealand and continuing to other parts of the Pacific, including Samoa and Hawaii. A lot of Polynesian-looking ladies were very excited when Walt Disney Animation Studios announced last year that they were searching for a young woman, preferably 14 to 20 years old, for the voice of Moana, according to New Zealand Herald.
The announcement brought forth so much excitement that a casting call put out by CNA Casting in New Zealand got thousands of video auditions. Additionally, live auditions will be held over the next couple of weeks in Hawaii and Samoa.
The name of the lead character is Moana Waialiki. She is a sea-voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a chief. Series of events pushes her family to seek her help, which consequently compels her to go on an epic journey. According to IMDB, “Moana” will also be featuring spirits and demigods derived from real mythology.
Additionally, the animated film’s IMDB page also mentions that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be part of the movie. He will be lending his voice to the character named Maui. To date, no other information could be obtained regarding his role.
With regard the lead role of Moana, Christina Asher, the casting director, refused to comment on how the hopefuls from New Zealand fared in their auditions. Even Disney declined to respond to the press’ request for further information.
However, a post on the official Facebook page of CNA Casting shed a bit of light on the subject. “For those of you wanting to know about progress with casting,” the post read, “We are still in the process of sorting through the many auditions from around the globe. I hope to have news for those people I have seen within the next fortnight.”
A casting team was formed in Samoa. There were tasked to help the production team carry out the auditions on Upolu and Savai’i over the next several weeks. Fiona Collins, an actress and playwright from Kiwi-Samoa, is one of those selected to help in the search for the lady to voice the character Moana.
