Disney’s Moana 2 has brought Dwayne Johnson back to reprise his role as Maui, a character he feels a profound connection to through his family heritage. This eagerly awaited sequel to the 2016 film Moana follows the main character as she sets off on a fresh journey across the ocean with a new team, aiming to unite the islands.
Along the way, she reunites with Maui, and together they confront the storm god, Nalo, while also raising the island of Motufetu. Although the sequel may not have achieved the same critical acclaim as the original, Moana 2 has shattered Box Office records and is celebrated as one of Disney’s finest sequels.
Maui is undoubtedly one of the standout characters in Dwayne Johnson’ career, showcasing his exceptional voice-acting abilities, comedic flair, and musical talent. His performance of “You’re Welcome” is celebrated as one of the finest songs from Moana.
Dwayne Johnson has expressed his enthusiasm for voicing this character and the opportunity to highlight Polynesian mythology. Excitingly, he is preparing to return as Maui for a third time in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Moana, attributing his powerful portrayal of the demigod to his family heritage.
The Character of Maui Was Influenced In Part By Dwayne Johnson’ Grandfather
In the Moana franchise, Maui is depicted as a formidable and playful demigod, taking great pride in his skills and his enchanted fishhook. This character is loosely inspired by the actual Polynesian demigod, known for his striking tattoos and robust build.
During the promotion of Moana 2, Dwayne Johnson shared that Maui’s design and traits were influenced in part by his grandfather, Fanene Maivia, a wrestler and actor who was known as “High Chief” Peter Maivia from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Maivia belonged to the renowned Anoa’i wrestling family and sported Samoan tattoos that adorned his legs and abdomen, representing his cultural roots. The tattoos and physical traits of “High Chief” Peter Maivia were later reflected in the character design of Maui in Moana.
In various interviews, Dwayne Johnson shared memories of his grandfather, who passed away in 1982 when Johnson was just 10 years old, stating, “He was just like Maui, from his physique to his hair to his charm, and he would sing, and he was cherished by many.” Dwayne Johnson expressed that embodying Maui felt like “being in the skin of my grandfather. It truly touches my heart.”
Dwayne Johnson’s Daughters Made Special Appearances In Moana 2
Moana 2 illustrates the transformation in Moana’s life since her initial voyage across the ocean to Te Fiti three years ago. Her family has expanded with the arrival of her younger sister, Simea, and she subsequently assembles a new crew to accompany her on her upcoming quest to Motufetu.
Additionally, Moana’s escapades have sparked the formation of a mini fan club on her island, affectionately named the Moana-Bes. Notably, two members of this fan club were voiced by Dwayne Johnson’ daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, who made special cameo appearances in Moana 2.
Johnson shared how much his daughters relished being part of the production and hearing their voices in the film, stating “they loved it”. While filming, Johnson positioned himself behind his daughters in the recording booth to appreciate their performances and subsequently recorded lines alongside them; he humorously remarked that his daughters were “far better than Daddy”.
The involvement of his daughters in Moana 2 has now forged a connection across three generations of Dwayne Johnson’s family with the beloved franchise, a bond that could deepen with the anticipated release of the upcoming live-action remake.