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.”
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.
