HONOLULU -- The movie based on the life of Kauai surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm when a shark bit her, is gaining more star power.

The latest to join the cast is country music star Carrie Underwood, who will play Hamilton's friend and church youth leader, Sarah Hill. This is Underwood's first role in a movie.

The movie "Soul Surfer" begins shooting this month in the islands. Hamilton was 13 when the shark struck. Despite the amputation, Hamilton took first place in the National Scholastic Surfing Association National Championships in 2005.

Anna Sophia Robb will play Hamilton. Robb has been in such movies as the "Race To Witch Mountain" remake, "Bridge to Terabithia," "The Reaping" and "Jumper."

Among the other stars in the movie, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt will portray her parents. Jack Nicholson’s daughter, Lorraine, will play Hamilton's best friend, Alana Blanchard, while Kevin Sorbo will play Blanchard's father, Holt.