Moana 2 Directors Reveal Emotional Dwayne Johnson Scene

by

SPOILERS ahead for Moana 2, now on Disney+!

As a passionate cinephile, I can confidently declare that after the phenomenal success of “Moana 2” at the box office and its dominance on Disney+ with viewership numbers rivaling those of “Encanto,” it’s clear to me that Moana embodies the qualities of a demigod! The climax of the film, set in 2024, sees Moana bravely diving into the ocean to save her people. Instead of meeting her end, her ancestors grant her a divine status akin to Maui’s. During my recent conversation with the “Moana 2” directors at Walt Disney Animation Studios, they emphasized the cultural significance behind this ending, a point that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson strongly supports.

Before Moana transformed into a demigod, Maui initially felt a sense of fear and loss, as if he had just lost a friend. In an interview with directors Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr, they discussed their experience recording the emotional scene with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. As director Jason Hand explained:

To be frank, I believe that scene showcased Dwayne’s remarkable acting ability, as he managed to convey an immense amount of emotion through his voiceover. That scene, in particular, stands out among all others in the movie for us. It’s a moment where Dwayne’s character is left vulnerable after losing his demigod powers, feeling lost and unsure. The song he sings, seeking help, is a powerful moment that reveals an emotional depth we hadn’t seen from him before. Overall, it was a very moving scene.

In a pivotal moment during the movie “Moana 2”, Maui, Moana, and their team endeavor to lift the sunken island of Motufetu from under a tempest of waves, stirred up by the storm deity, Nalo. As Moana plunges into the sea to touch the island, they both are hit by a bolt of Nalo’s lightning.

As the bolt removes Maui’s powers, it deals a fatal blow to Moana. In despair, Maui searches for Moana, only to find her lifeless. Desperate, he summons the spirits of Tautai Vasa in the song “Manu Vavau”. David Derrick Jr, the director, commented on this scene as follows:

David Derrick Jr described this scene as a heart-wrenching moment where Maui’s loss and desperation are palpable, underscored by the haunting melody of “Manu Vavau” and the mystical intervention of the spirits of Tautai Vasa.

What I admire about ‘Mana Vavau’ is that it’s an original composition by Opetaia Foa’i. He hails from Tokelau, located north of Samoa, and he often emphasized the significance of Dwayne singing it in Samoan, a language close to his mother’s and grandparents’. It was crucial for Dwayne to perfect the pronunciation and capture the emotions embedded in the song. For me, it represents the peak of Maui’s and Dwayne’s acting as Maui within the film, and it features some of the most poignant moments.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the poignant moment when Maui, played masterfully by Dwayne Johnson, appeals to the spirits in Samoan during the enchanting song. It’s a moving experience to hear The Rock’s voice resonate in his ancestral language, as this beautiful composition was penned by Samoan songwriter Opetaia Foa’i for the movie. Incidentally, did you know that Maui’s character was inspired by Johnson’s own grandfather? This scene seems to have held a deep emotional significance for The Rock, as he had the rare opportunity to sing in his ancestors’ native tongue within the magical realm of Disney.

Take advantage of a fantastic offer on the Disney Plus and Hulu Bundle! For just $2.99 per month for the next four months, you can enjoy an ad-supported plan that includes both services. This deal, which was popular during Black Friday and has returned this March, is perfect timing as Moana 2 is about to be released. Keep in mind that new and returning customers may not be able to benefit from the reduced rate for as long, but you’ll still get a fantastic deal on the Disney+ subscription. This offer expires on March 30th. Grab it while you can! View Deal

Besides Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow penning the soundtrack (with Lin-Manuel Miranda composing for the initial film), Opetaia Foa’i created a collection of unique songs that traditional Samoan vocalists sing throughout this soundtrack. This ensures that Moana 2 remains authentic to Moana’s roots. Isn’t it astonishing how this upcoming movie can introduce audiences worldwide to the Samoan language, culture, and mythology?

Read More

2025-03-19 03:37