Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has opened up about the deeply personal significance of the upcoming Moana live-action film, describing it as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career. In a collaborative video post, Johnson said the project represents 'legacy, life, pride and soul' — rooted in his family history and a celebration of Polynesian culture.

A Character Rooted in Family

At the heart of Johnson's emotional connection is the character of Maui, whom he says is a direct reflection of his grandfather, the late High Chief Peter Maivia. 'The character of Maui means, in a word, everything. What makes Maui so meaningful to me is Maui distinctly represents my grandfather, the late High Chief Peter Maivia,' Johnson said in the video.

He drew a vivid parallel between the animated demigod and his grandfather: 'When you hold up pictures of my grandfather with all his tattoos, and his massive build, and his long beautiful hair, and you hold that up to Maui, it's striking. So this live-action version was for him.'

Family on Set

Johnson, widely known as The Rock, also revealed that the production became a family affair. 'We put my daughters and my mom in the movie. I mean, man, that was really special for me,' he said. He added that stepping onto a live-action set carries an energy unlike anything else: 'There's nothing like being on set. In live action, you step on set, it's time to come alive.'

The actor described the experience as one that allowed him to fully grasp the weight of cultural representation. 'It begins to sink in the enormity to have Polynesian culture represented in this way,' he said.

Why It Stands Apart in His Career

Calling Moana one of the greatest experiences of his professional life, Johnson said: 'It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my career, because it means everything, legacy, life, pride. And so, are you ready to be the hero?'

In the caption accompanying his post, Johnson described the film as 'a massive, sweeping, beautiful, soul stirring, adventurous (and very funny) movie that's steeped in rich Polynesian culture — with values, ambitions, heartbreaks, and passions, that everyone can relate to.' He added: 'Legacy, life, pride and soul. I'm excited for you and your families to see our movie!'

Cultural Stakes of the Live-Action Remake

The live-action Moana carries considerable cultural weight beyond its box-office ambitions. The original 2016 animated film was praised for its authentic portrayal of Pacific Islander mythology and traditions, and the remake faces similar expectations from Polynesian communities worldwide. Johnson's involvement — and his personal ancestry — lends the project a layer of authenticity that few Hollywood productions can claim. Notably, the casting of his daughters and mother further cements the film as a generational tribute as much as a commercial venture.

With Johnson's public enthusiasm building anticipation, audiences and cultural observers alike will be watching closely when the film releases.