Dwayne Johnson said his late grandfather, Peter Maivia, served as the primary inspiration for his portrayal of Maui in Disney's live-action Moana [1].
The film represents a major transition for the franchise as it moves from animation to a live-action format. This shift allows the production to deepen the personal and cultural connections between the actors and their characters.
During an interview in Hawaii with Entertainment Tonight, Johnson discussed the emotional weight of returning to the role. He said that Maivia's influence helped shape how he approached the character's presence and spirit on screen [1]. The production also features Catherine Lagaʻaia, whom Johnson welcomed to the "family" during the promotional events [1].
The live-action adaptation follows the success of the original animated version, which premiered in 2016 [2]. The new version is scheduled to open in theaters on July 10, 2024 [1].
Johnson's involvement in the project extends beyond acting, as he has remained a central figure in the franchise's development. The promotional tour in Hawaii emphasized the film's ties to Pacific Island culture and the personal heritage of the cast members [1].
Producer Auli'i Cravalho and interviewer Nischelle Turner were part of the discussion regarding the film's creative direction [1]. The project seeks to maintain the essence of the original story while introducing new visual elements and live performances, a goal the production team emphasized during the Hawaiian press events [1].
“Dwayne Johnson said his late grandfather, Peter Maivia, served as the primary inspiration for his portrayal of Maui.”
The transition of Moana to live-action highlights Disney's ongoing strategy of reimagining its animated catalog for modern audiences. By anchoring the character of Maui in Johnson's actual family history, the production adds a layer of authentic personal legacy that can enhance the film's appeal and cultural resonance.
