Arturo Hilario
El Observador
Moana 2 is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new sequel to global hit Moana, in which Moana is tasked with going to the far seas of Oceania for a new adventure and new dangers, unlike anything she’s ever faced. Although it is a difficult and dangerous journey, the future of Moana’s people depends on her success.
Back from the original are her family which includes father, Chief Tui and mother, Sina. The newest member of the family is Moana’s little sister, Simea.
Beyond her role as a leader and adventurer, Moana’s other responsibility is looking out for and teaching her little sister the ways of the world and connections to nature and the sea, just as Moana’s grandmother taught her in the first film.
Simea is a feisty and energetic three and a half year old who yearns to be just like her “Big Sis”, and the similarities include being able to communicate through the ocean to stay connected, dressing similarly to Moana’s first outfit in the original film, and being adventurous.
Hawaiian actress Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda voices Simea, bringing laughter and levity to the serious peril of the film. In her first role as an actress, the eight-year-old Hawaiian native recently spoke with me about the journey of being cast in her first role, why she connects with the character of Simea, and how she’d like to use her taekwondo skills in a future film.
Moana 2 is now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
Before Moana 2 came along, why did you want to be an actor and what films, actors, or things inspired you to want to act?
When I was younger, I loved to sing and dance, and I just really wanted to be in a movie. And for this opportunity, I just loved it.
How did you find out that you had booked this role and that you were going to be part of the world of Moana and Disney?
I had to audition, and then my mom called, and she said that Disney had chosen me for a movie, but we didn’t know which movie yet.
Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda attends the World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 in Kapolei, Hawaii on November 21, 2024. Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images for Disney
You must have been very excited about that, finding out it was for Moana 2.
Yes.
Can you tell me a little bit about your character, Simea, and who she is in the world of Moana?
She’s really energetic and feisty!
What was your favorite part about recording your voice for this character and the whole experience of working on the film?
My favorite part about doing it was saying my lines.
Did you get to meet the other actors, or were you just isolated in a room when you recorded your lines?
When I was recording, I was only by myself with no other actors.
I think it’s very cool that the creators of this movie researched a lot of Pacific Islander culture and included a lot of details into the world of Moana 2. Even though it is a fictional story, how do you feel about your own culture being included in this since you are from Hawaii?
I feel proud that they put my culture into a movie.
And what do you like most about your characters of Simea?
That she’s really feisty and energetic, and I was also feisty and energetic.
How did you feel at the premiere of the movie and getting to sit there and watch it for the first time?
It felt nerve-wracking, but also super exciting.
Once the movie premiered, what did your friends and family members and people tell you about your performance in the movie and the movie?
They were so proud of me, and they just thought that I did a great, great job.
What would you say are some differences between Moana and Simea?
I would say the age difference is really different and just the way Moana talks and the way I talk.
Now that the movie is available to stream on Disney+, and people can see it in their homes whenever they like, even repeatedly, how do you feel that people get to have that opportunity to see it over and over?
I feel great about it because my family gets to watch it, and also other people get to watch it.
Is it true that your interests outside of acting include gymnastics and kickboxing?
Yes, and taekwondo.
And would you one day want to act in a movie where you use these abilities that you have and these other activities?
Yes, I would love to use my activities and also other activities in a movie.
Why would you recommend people that haven’t seen Moana 2 to get on Disney+ and watch it?
I think they should watch it because they will learn how to spend more time with family and just to be more adventurous.
Thank you, Khaleesi. And do you have a favorite song from the movie or a part of the movie?
My favorite song is probably “Beyond”.
Photo Caption 2: Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda attends the World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 in Kapolei, Hawaii on November 21, 2024. Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images for Disney
