Discover how the film’s themes and characters resonated with Johnson’s personal life, heritage, and emotions.

Seven years ago, the world was introduced to Disney’s “Moana,” an animated film that not only captivated audiences but also held a special place in the heart of its star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. As we approach the film’s anniversary, let’s revisit Johnson’s deep connection to the movie and how it resonated with his own life.

A heroine reminiscent of his own daughter

One of the standout features of “Moana” was its strong, independent female lead. Johnson was particularly drawn to this aspect, finding it empowering and relevant. “There is no love interest. And there’s no damsel in distress character in here,” Johnson pointed out. He saw a reflection of his own 15-year-old daughter in Moana, describing her as “ambitious” and having a “strong point of view.”

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Tapping into personal history and emotions

Beyond the character connections, Johnson’s own heritage played a significant role in his attachment to the film. With Polynesian descent, he viewed “Moana” as an opportunity to showcase Polynesian culture on the big screen. The character of Maui, which Johnson voiced, even bore a striking resemblance to his grandfather, a Samoan high chief with tribal tattoos covering his body. This personal connection made the film all the more emotional for Johnson. “I have never cried consistently … through a movie more than I have with this movie,” he confessed, adding humorously, “Just to be clear, they’re all manly tears though.”

Challenges and cherished moments

Voicing an animated character was a new experience for Johnson, requiring him to exercise different acting muscles. He highlighted the challenge of conveying emotions solely through his voice, with multiple cameras capturing his facial expressions to infuse into the animation. Yet, amidst the challenges, there were moments of levity. Johnson fondly recalled a line from the film where Maui humorously tries to label Moana as a princess, saying, “Well, listen, if you got a dress and you got a sidekick then you’re a princess.” Johnson dubbed it the “best line in the movie.”

As we look back, “Moana” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, culture, and personal connections. For Dwayne Johnson, it wasn’t just another film; it was a journey intertwined with his own life and heritage.