Dwayne Johnson’s Family Connections To The Moana Franchise Explained

Disney’s Moana 2 brought Dwayne Johnson back as Maui, a role that he has a deep connection with through his family. The long-anticipated sequel to 2016’s Moana saw the titular character embarking on a new adventure across the ocean with a new crew, to unite the islands; she eventually reunites with Maui, and they battle together against the storm god, Nalo, and raise the island of Motufetu. While the sequel didn’t quite reach the same level as the original critically, Moana 2 has broken box office milestones and is regarded as one of Disney’s best sequels.

The character of Maui is one of the best of Dwayne Johnson’s career, thanks to his voice-acting skills, comedy and singing talents, with his song “You’re Welcome” regarded as one of the best Moana songs. He has spoken positively about his experiences voicing the character and being able to promote Polynesian mythology. Johnson is set to reprise the role of Maui for a third time in the upcoming live action Moana movie, and he has credited his family heritage for his strong performance as the demigod.

The Character of Maui Was Partially Inspired By Johnson’s Grandfather

Maui’s Tattoos and Physique Were Inspired by The Wrestler, “High Chief” Peter Maivia

Throughout the Moana franchise, Maui is portrayed as a powerful and mischievous demigod, who prides himself on his abilities and his magical fishhook. Loosely based on the real Polynesian demigod, Maui is recognized for his artistic tattoos and large physique. While promoting Moana 2, Dwayne Johnson revealed that the design and characteristics of Maui were partially inspired by his maternal grandfather, Fanene Maivia, a wrestler and actor who performed under the name “High Chief” Peter Maivia between the 1960s and 1980s.

Maivia was a member of the Anoa’i wrestling family and had Samoan tattoos that covered his legs and abdomen, symbolizing his heritage. “High Chief” Peter Maivia’s tattoos and physical appearance were later incorporated into Maui’s character design for Moana. In interviews, Johnson described his grandfather, who died in 1982 when Johnson was 10, as “just like Maui, from his build to his hair to his charisma, and he would sing, and he was loved.” Johnson described performing as Maui as being “in the skin of my grandfather. And it really moves me.” (via People)

Dwayne Johnson’s Daughters Had Cameos In Moana 2

Johnson’s Daughters Had Guest Roles As Members of Moana’s Fan Club

Moana 2 depicts how life has changed for Moana since her first journey across the ocean to Te Fiti three years prior. Her family has grown with the introduction of Moana’s little sister, Simea, and she later recruits a new team to join her on her next adventure to Motufetu. Moana’s adventures have also led to the creation of a mini fan club on her island, dubbed the Moana-Bes. Two of the fan club members were voiced by Johnson’s daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, in special cameo appearances for Moana 2.

Johnson spoke about how much his daughters enjoyed taking part in the production and hearing their voices in the movie, saying “they loved it” (via ENews). During the filming, Johnson sat behind his daughters in the recording booth to listen to their work and later recorded lines with them; he later joked that his daughters were “much better than Daddy” (via GeoNews). The inclusion of his daughters in Moana 2 has now allowed three generations of Dwayne Johnson’s family to create a bond with the popular franchise which could grow further with the release of the upcoming live-action remake.

Sources: People, ENews, GeoNews

Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.

Release Date

November 27, 2024

Runtime

100 Minutes

Cast

Auli’i Cravalho , Dwayne Johnson , Alan Tudyk , Rachel House , Temuera Morrison , Nicole Scherzinger , Hualālai Chung , David Fane , Rose Matafeo , Awhimai Fraser , Gerald Ramsey , Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda

Director

David G. Derrick Jr. , Jason Hand , Dana Ledoux Miller

Writers

Dana Ledoux Miller , Jared Bush , Jason Hand , Ron Clements , John Musker

Studio(s)

Walt Disney Pictures , Walt Disney Animation Studios

Distributor(s)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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