Dwayne Johnson Returns to His Roots for Moana 2
Hollywood’s $800 million man, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is back where it all started—Hawaii. The action star and former wrestler is not only reprising his role as Maui in Disney’s Moana 2 but also gearing up for a live-action adaptation of the beloved Polynesian tale. Johnson made a splash at the Oahu premiere, celebrating his heritage, his family, and the spirit of Maui in a heartfelt and larger-than-life way.
A Hawaiian Homecoming
For Johnson, the premiere of Moana 2 wasn’t just another movie event; it was a deeply personal full-circle moment. “My daughters, all three of my daughters were there. That was the first time we’d all been together in a public place before. That was beautiful,” Johnson said.
The premiere took place just 15 miles from where Johnson grew up and got into a fair share of trouble. “My grandfather’s buried here. He inspired the character of Maui. It all came together,” he shared.
The Spirit of Maui
Johnson’s character, Maui, has always been a reflection of his own personality. While joking about Maui being “egotistical, loud, [and having a] big mouth,” Johnson admitted that there’s more depth to their connection. “I try to find joy around every corner, even when life gets a little screwy or wobbly. I think Maui embodies that too,” he explained.
In the live-action adaptation currently filming, Johnson described stepping into Maui’s skin as “eye-opening.” He elaborated, “It’s real flesh-and-blood now, and stepping onto set felt like I was stepping into my grandfather’s shoes.”
Maui’s Buff Look? All Thanks to Movie Magic
Fans went wild when photos of Johnson as Maui surfaced online, showing the character looking even more powerful than before. But Johnson revealed that the transformation was the result of a suit, not muscle gain.
“That’s a suit that took hours to put on every day. When those pictures surfaced, I thought, ‘Sh*t, we got caught,’ because paparazzi were sneaking shots from boats!”
The highly anticipated live-action Moana will hit theaters in 2026, giving fans a chance to see Johnson’s Maui in a whole new light.
Family at the Forefront
Johnson’s daughters—Jasmine, Tiana, and Simone—played a big part in his Hawaiian adventure. At the premiere, Jasmine and Tiana even made their debut as “Moana-Be’s,” a nod to their love for the franchise.
The proud dad shared how impressed he was by their grace during interviews at the premiere. “I pulled them off their iPads at breakfast the next morning and said, ‘You guys were amazing. People go to school to do press like that!’ They were like, ‘Really?’”
When asked about his daughters’ sense of humor and love for the camera, Johnson quipped, “Not me. Oh wait, yes, totally me.”
A Hit Song for the Sequel
Moana 2 has already generated buzz for its new signature track, “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?”—a hit among both fans and Johnson’s daughters. The song adds to the movie’s vibrant energy and showcases the cultural pride woven throughout the film.
What’s Next for Dwayne Johnson?
With Moana 2 premiering November 27 and the live-action adaptation in the works, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to combine Hollywood stardom with authentic cultural storytelling is why fans continue to celebrate his journey.
From his humble beginnings in Hawaii to becoming one of the biggest names in entertainment, Johnson’s return as Maui is more than just a performance—it’s a tribute to his roots and his family legacy.
FAQs
When is Moana 2 coming out?
The animated sequel is set to premiere on November 27.
What’s different about the live-action Moana?
The live-action adaptation brings Maui to life in a flesh-and-blood form, with Johnson drawing inspiration from his late grandfather.
What is the new song in Moana 2?
The film’s new signature song, “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?”, is already a fan favorite.
What did Johnson say about the Maui suit?
Johnson admitted that his bulked-up Maui look came from a suit that took hours to put on daily.
Why is Hawaii significant to Dwayne Johnson?
Hawaii is where Johnson grew up, and his grandfather—who inspired Maui—is buried there.
