Dwayne Johnson is giving fans one other take a look at his transformation into Maui, and it’s already generating buzz. The actor appeared at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where Disney unveiled an prolonged preview of its upcoming live-action “Moana” remake. Held at Caesars Palace, the annual event brought together theater owners and industry insiders for an early glimpse on the highly anticipated film.
Dwayne Johnson Gets Emotional Over Returning As Maui
Taking the stage, Johnson opened up about what the role means to him personally, having originally voiced the character within the animated hit.
“The animated version was just an incredible experience for us as Polynesian people. Maui has been with me for over a decade, and to have the chance to bring this powerful and vulnerable demigod to life means a lot to me,” he said.
The Rock Praises Women While Debuting ‘Moana’ Role
Johnson also revealed that Maui’s appearance wasn’t just fictional, nevertheless it was inspired by someone very near him. The actor shared that elements of the character’s design were based on his grandfather, legendary Samoan wrestler Peter “High Chief” Maivia. He even showed the audience a photograph of Maivia through the presentation, drawing applause as fans recognized the resemblance.
Before introducing Catherine Laga’aia, who will play Moana, Johnson delivered a robust message in regards to the film’s central character. “The hero of our story is just not a princess; she’s a warrior,” Johnson said, explaining that Maui’s role is to guide and support her. “All men of all ages, we should always empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like.”
Dwayne Johnson Says Fatherhood Modified Him
Beyond his connection to Maui, Dwayne Johnson has previously opened up about how fatherhood has shaped his perspective, especially as a dad to daughters. In a past interview, Johnson shared that becoming a father taught him to be more present and emotionally aware.
“Just be there,” he said, explaining that many fathers are sometimes wired to repair problems as a substitute of simply listening. “You’ll be able to be wired, as numerous fathers are, to sort things. Just having an expanded capability to listen and be more tender and delicate really gave me that ability to resolve whatever the difficulty is, but with them in comparison with for them.”
The Rock Credits The Women In His Life For Shaping Him
Dwayne Johnson has long credited the ladies in his life for helping shape his outlook each personally and professionally.
As an only child, he was largely raised by his mother, Ata Johnson, together with the guidance of his grandmother, two figures he says were intentional about instilling strong values and a transparent sense of integrity from a young age. “They’d a really clear agenda on the way to raise me and what lessons I ought to be taught and how much integrity I must have as slightly boy growing up,” he shared.
Johnson added that the influence of strong women has continued throughout his life, from his first wife and long-time business partner to his current family.
“My grandmother, my mum. My first wife, Dany Garcia, who’s now a long-time business partner, my wife today, Lauren, my three daughters proceed to influence and teach me every day. Even my little ones. I actually have a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old, and while you’re open and amenable, you’d be surprised as a person, just how much your daughters will teach you,” he said.
Dwayne Johnson Says He ‘Grew Up’ Alongside His Daughter
Dwayne Johnson has also reflected on how fatherhood, especially along with his eldest daughter, Simone Johnson, has transformed him over time. The actor has often said the 2 essentially “grew up together,” pointing to how much he’s evolved since becoming a young dad. “I’m a very different man than I used to be 20 years ago,” he admitted.
On the time, Johnson was rising fast in skilled wrestling, but he now sees that period through a really different lens. “I had a profession in skilled wrestling that was on fire. The stuff you thought was essential that you must sweat perhaps 10, 15 years ago are so meaningless, actually,” he said. “Crucial things really are actually right in front of you (like family).”