The Rock Says His Daughters ‘See Themselves’ In Moana. It’s A Big Reason Why Playing Maui Is So Important To Him

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As a parent and a fan of diverse representation in media, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the upcoming release of “Moana 2”. The original film was a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity, and it resonated deeply with families like mine who see themselves reflected on screen.

Initially, when Disney announced that Dwayne Johnson would lend his voice to the character Maui in Moana, it created quite a stir. At that time and even now, Johnson is among the world’s leading film stars, and his association with Disney is a significant boost for the studio. However, playing Maui is also a significant opportunity for Dwayne Johnson himself.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a connection to the character of Moana from the movie. Despite my oldest daughter finding it hard to believe that her father, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is actually Maui, our family remains avid fans of the Moana franchise. Recently, The Rock shared with Good Morning America that our daughters identify with Moana, making the original film and the upcoming Moana 2 all the more significant for us. The Rock went on to explain…

It’s wonderful that these young girls, who happen to be girls of color, find a reflection of themselves in Moana. This is one of Moana’s beauties because it allows boys and girls of all ethnicities worldwide to see characters they can identify with.

For a considerable period, many voices have advocated for representation, and it’s important to continue emphasizing this point. People connect with films and their characters primarily because they can relate to them and share their feelings. Seeing film protagonists who resemble you can instill a sense of identification, making you feel capable of embodying that very heroic role yourself.

It’s significant when characters of Polynesian origin or children of color are portrayed as movie heroes because such representation is relatively scarce. This allows young children to identify with these characters, fostering a sense of belonging. Furthermore, it demonstrates that anyone can be a hero, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the broader society.

A notable number of exceptional Disney animated features have starred female leads, making them distinctive compared to many others. However, until recently, all these heroines were white. In the past few years, we’ve seen movies like “Raya and the Last Dragon“, “Encanto“, and “Wish” enriching the ethnic diversity among Disney’s heroes. Though not all these films have been box office successes, some have proven popular, indicating that viewers are open to accepting and loving these diverse characters.

As a devoted gamer (and lover of all things entertaining), I can confidently say that the buzz surrounding Moana has been palpable. The announcement that this beloved tale will be graced with a sequel has sent waves of excitement through the community. Though Disney is currently churning out more animated theatrical sequels than in the past, they’re still relatively uncommon. Yet, the original Moana remains one of the most-watched movies across any streaming platform, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

For the Johnson family, it’s evident that the production of “Moana” has been a cherished family endeavor. Dwayne Johnson himself brought his daughter along during some recording sessions for “Moana 2.” Interestingly, the character of Maui was partially modeled after Dwayne Johnson’s grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia.

Anticipation for the upcoming movie, “Moana 2,” is running high. Initially conceived as a television series for Disney+, the project was reportedly of such exceptional quality that it was transformed into a full-length film instead. This major change had some fans apprehensive, but early feedback on “Moana 2” has been overwhelmingly positive.

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2024-11-13 19:38