Dwayne Johnson is giving fans another look at his transformation into Maui, and it’s already generating buzz. The actor appeared at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where Disney unveiled an extended 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 at 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 in the animated hit.
“The animated version was just an amazing experience for us as Polynesian people. Maui has been with me for over a decade, and to have the opportunity to bring this powerful and vulnerable demigod to life means so much to me,” he said.
The Rock Praises Women While Debuting ‘Moana’ Role
Johnson also revealed that Maui’s appearance wasn’t just fictional, but it was inspired by someone very close to 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 photo of Maivia during the presentation, drawing applause as fans recognized the resemblance.
Before introducing Catherine Laga’aia, who will play Moana, Johnson delivered a powerful message about the film’s central character. “The hero of our story is 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 empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like.”
Dwayne Johnson Says Fatherhood Changed 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 often wired to fix problems instead of simply listening. “You can be wired, as a lot of fathers are, to fix things. Just having an expanded capacity to listen and be more tender and gentle really gave me that ability to solve whatever the issue is, but with them compared to for them.”
The Rock Credits The Women In His Life For Shaping Him
Dwayne Johnson has long credited the women in his life for helping shape his outlook both personally and professionally.
As an only child, he was largely raised by his mother, Ata Johnson, along with the guidance of his grandmother, two figures he says were intentional about instilling strong values and a clear sense of integrity from a young age. “They had a very clear agenda on how to raise me and what lessons I should be taught and what kind of integrity I should have as a little 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 is now a long-time business partner, my wife today, Lauren, my three daughters continue to influence and teach me daily. Even my little ones. I have a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old, and when you’re open and amenable, you’d be surprised as a man, 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 with his eldest daughter, Simone Johnson, has transformed him over the years. The actor has often said the two essentially “grew up together,” pointing to how much he’s evolved since becoming a young dad. “I’m a completely different man than I was 20 years ago,” he admitted.
At the time, Johnson was rising fast in professional wrestling, but he now sees that period through a very different lens. “I had a career in professional wrestling that was on fire. The stuff you thought was important that you should sweat maybe 10, 15 years ago are so meaningless, actually,” he said. “The most important things really are literally right in front of you (like family).”