Disney has announced that Moana will be the first of its films to be translated into Te Reo Māori - and the movie's Kiwi screenwriter Taika Waititi has put the call out for fluent speakers to fill the titular role.
Moana, which follows the tale of a young Polynesian girl in a quest to save her island, had huge influence from New Zealanders - with Jemaine Clement, Oscar Kightley, Temuera Morrison and Rachel House all filling key roles in the film.
Much of the Kiwi cast will reprise their roles - but the role of Moana will be taken from Hawaiian Auli'i Cravalho, and given to a young Māori-speaking girl.
Waititi, who is directing the soon-to-be-released Thor: Ragnarok, said creating a Māori version of Moana is a significant step.
"For indigenous audiences to hear films in their own language is a huge deal - helping to normalise the native voice and give a sense of identification," he said.
"It also encourages our youth to continue with their love and learning of the language, letting them know their culture has a place in the world."
TV and video content producer Adrenalin Group have asked those who may fit the bill to come forward and audition for the role of Moana.
"We are now on the search for our very own reo Māori-speaking Moana!" Adrenalin wrote in the casting call.
"If you love singing and acting and think this might be the part for you, please send us your audition. There's not a lot of time, so be quick!"
The audition comprises of a filmed voice-over script in Te Reo, and a cover version of the movie's most memorable song, 'How Far I'll go'.
Adrenalin say applicants must be fluent in Te Reo Māori, be at least 13, sound similar to original Moana Auli'I Cravalho, and be in Auckland between the dates of June 24 and July 12.
Auditions must be sent in before 5pm on Thursday, June 15.
Newshub.
