The movie, which is based on the ancient Japanese folk story "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," is the latest animated picture from Studio Ghibli, the company co-founded by Japan animator Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.
Along with Moretz ("[500] Days of Summer," "Carrie"), the movie will also feature the vocal talents of Academy Award nominee James Caan ("The Godfather," "Funny Lady"), Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen (Candida, "Melvin and Howard"), Darren Criss ("Glee," How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), Lucy Liu (God of Carnage, "Elementary"), Beau Bridges (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Who's Who in Hell), James Marsden ("Hairspray," "X-Men"), Oliver Platt (Guys and Dolls, Shining City) and Dean Cain ("Don't Trust the B*tch in Apartment 23," "Hit the Floor").
The story follows a small girl who is found inside a shining stalk of bamboo. Raised by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, she grows into a beautiful young woman who is pursued by five suitors but eventually has to face her secret fate.
The film is set for an Oct. 17 release date.
Studio Ghibli and Geoffrey Wexler are producing the English-language version of the movie. Frank Marshall of Kennedy/Marshall is executive producer.