Dwayne Johnson has returned to his role as the demigod Maui in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s Moana, bringing a deeply personal connection to the character. Johnson, also known by his former WWE moniker The Rock, reprises the role he originally voiced in the 2016 animated film and serves as a producer on the new project. He has said that Maui holds special significance to him because the character reflects his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, embodying legacy, culture, and pride from their Polynesian heritage.
The film follows the story of teenage Moana, played by Australian actress Catherine Laga'aia in her feature debut, who embarks on a quest to save her home island of Motunui. Moana’s journey involves teaming up with Maui to restore balance by returning the heart stone he took from the goddess Te Fiti, preventing an ecological disaster. Laga'aia, 19, described the audition process as rigorous, involving extensive rehearsals and collaboration with her family to prepare for the role. She expressed pride in representing Polynesian culture, particularly Samoa, reflecting her own heritage.
Director Thomas Kail, known for his work on stage musicals including In the Heights and Hamilton, highlighted the film’s core themes of identity and community, which resonate with his broader artistic work. Kail praised both Johnson and Laga'aia, describing their chemistry and commitment to the project as inspiring. He recalled his initial impressions of their auditions and meetings, emphasizing their shared dedication to honoring the culture and story.
Notably, Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original 2016 animated film and its 2024 sequel, elected not to reprise her role, allowing a new generation of Polynesian talent to step forward. Cravalho remains involved as an executive producer and contributes vocally to the film’s original music, including the new song “Along The Way,” performed alongside Johnson and Laga'aia. She has described the experience as a valuable learning opportunity and expressed enthusiasm for supporting the new cast.
Laga'aia acknowledged the guidance she received from Cravalho throughout the production, emphasizing the importance of representation and mentorship. She highlighted the overwhelming response to the casting call, with more than 32,000 submissions received, and expressed her hope to honor the role and inspire future generations. Cravalho’s encouragement to “dream bigger” resonated deeply with the young actress, underscoring the film’s broader message of aspiration and cultural pride.
The live-action Moana adapts the original story with a fresh cast and creative team, aiming to celebrate Polynesian heritage while reaching a new audience through this highly anticipated reinterpretation. Production efforts have been ongoing since early 2023, with a focus on authenticity and community involvement guiding development.