Discover the connections between Johnson’s feelings, upbringing, and personal life and the ideas and characters in the movie.

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Seven years ago, Disney released the animated film “Moana,” which not only won over audiences’ hearts but also held a special place in the heart of its star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Let’s pause as the film’s anniversary approaches to remember how much Johnson connected with it and how it spoke to him personally.

A heroine who brought to mind his daughter

One of the most remarkable things about “Moana” was its strong, independent female lead. Johnson found this element particularly intriguing since he felt it was relevant and empowering. A romantic attraction doesn’t exist. Johnson also pointed out that this story doesn’t have a damsel in distress. Claiming that Moana mirrored his own fifteen-year-old daughter, he described her as “ambitious” and with a “strong point of view.”

Johnson’s devotion to the picture was influenced by his own heritage in addition to the character ties. Being of Polynesian origin, he saw “Moana” as a chance to present Polynesian culture on a large scale. Johnson voiced the role Maui, who even resembled his grandpa, a high chief of Samoa with numerous tribal tattoos all over his body. Johnson found the movie much more moving because of this personal connection. He admitted, laughing, “Just to be clear, they’re all manly tears though. I have never cried consistently through a movie more than I have with this one.”

Difficulties and treasured times

As Johnson had never narrated an animated character before, it was a novel experience that called for a variety of acting approaches. His use of multiple cameras to record his facial expressions for the animation highlighted the challenge of conveying emotions just through speech. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, there were some amusing moments. One scene in particular that Johnson loved from the film was when Maui playfully calls Moana a princess, stating, “Well, listen, if you got a dress and you got a sidekick then you’re a princess.” It’s the movie’s “best line,” according to Johnson.

In retrospect, “Moana” stands as a testament to the power of communal bonds, cultural expression, and narrative. For Dwayne Johnson, it was more than just a movie; it was an adventure interwoven with his own life and ancestral roots.