Moana: Kiwi Stars Set To Shine In Disney's Pacific Tale

A group of Kiwis has taken over the cast of Disney's upcoming film about its first Pacific princess, Moana.

Jemaine Clement, Temuera Morrison and Rachel House have all been revealed as members of the Moana cast, and they're playing some pivotal roles.

Kiwi film stalwart Morrison will play Moana's father, Chief Tui - a "gregarious but well-respected" leader who wants Moana to follow in his footsteps. He will play opposite former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, as Moana's mother, Sina.

Jemaine Clement's (Flight of the Conchords, The BFG) role is a little less traditional, but ripe for the comedic acting Clement is known for. He plays Tamatoa, a conceited crab who fuels his delusions of grandeur by covering himself in shiny objects.

And Rachel House (Whale Rider,Hunt for the Wilderpeople) lends her voice to Gramma Tala, Moana's grandmother, confidante and best friend, who is the one to tell Moana the legend of Maui, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Moana herself is played by Hawaiian 15-year-old Auli'i Cravalho, who was cast after film-makers auditioned hundreds of hopefuls from across the Pacific, including New Zealand.

Read The Full Article - NZ Herald