American film giant Walt Disney Studios has put out an "open casting call" for an actor who is a 16-year-old Pacific Islander and female who can play the character of Moana.

The call was made by the California-based studios on Tuesday and released details in a flyer that has been distributed globally. The studios want Pacific Islander or Pasifika actors who can sing to play Moana in the live-action adaptation of "Moana".

Attributes of the Moana character were released in the flyer and emphasised that "no acting experience required!"

"[Moana] Actor to play a character that is female, 16, Pacific Islander, heroic, bold and adventurous, Moana, the daughter of their village's chief, feels isolated on her home island of Motunui, yearning for purpose and curious about what lies beyond their reef," reads a flyer that was distributed by the studios.

"Despite her father's protests, and emboldened by her gramma's encouragement, the intuitive and courageous Moana embarks on a dangerous quest, sailing beyond the reef and using her strength and intelligence to overcome epic obstacles along the way.

"Although following her curiosity and searching for her own identity, Moana is never selfish, she is determined to fulfill the quest of her ancestors and save her people. Strong singer!" 

Seiuli Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who voiced the shape-shifting demigod Maui in the animated film of the same name, initially announced early last month that the movie project will be made into a live-action version. 

The first movie, which is set in ancient Polynesia, centers on the strong-willed Moana, a chief's daughter from a coastal community, who is selected by the ocean to reunite a mythical artifact with the goddess Te Fiti. In an effort to return the artifact to Te Fiti and save her people, Moana sets off in pursuit of Maui, a fabled demigod. Released by the Walt Disney Studios in 2016, the animation flick grossed close to USD$700 million at the box office. 

Pacific Islanders, who feel strongly that they can play the role or know someone who could be right for the role, have been urged to email a photo and their name and where they are living to the address [email protected]