Disney’s animated musical adventure Moana created a stir worldwide upon its release in 2016. The film was critically acclaimed for its stellar visuals and coming of age storyline alongside sensational music that resulted in multiple accolades including victory at the Billboard and Grammy Award. Eight years later, Disney now returns with the much anticipated sequel – Moana 2, promising another adventure that will lead viewers on the path of self discovery. The film takes place in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, where a young woman named Moana embarks on a daring journey to save her people. Beyond the serene shores of her island home, she encounters the charismatic demi-god Maui, voiced by the iconic Dwayne Johnson. Their adventure, filled with mythical creatures and breathtaking landscapes, is more than just a quest for treasure; it’s a profound exploration of self-discovery, courage, and the importance of asking for help.
Sharing her deep connection with her debut role, actress Auli’i Cravalho opened up in a recent interview. “Moana and I have gone on similar journeys,” the Hawaii native notes. “In that first film, I was so excited to go beyond the reef and be flown to Burbank, Calif. I’d never been to Burbank, and that was the coolest thing ever. Moana was also taking her first tentative steps onto the canoe and feeling what it was like to leave her home. She and I have both felt the growing pains of leaving home and the big celebration of coming back and seeing how our families have changed. I still see so much of myself in her strength and vulnerability.”
Dwayne Johnson, who voices demi-god Maui, similarly sees Moana and Cravalho as inextricable from each other. “She is such an anchor of our film and represents the embodiment of so many elements of our movie,” he comments. Further adding on to the complexities of his character, Johnson reflects, “The idea of asking for help is actually a superpower. Masculinity, to me, is not being tough. It’s not being a badass. Powerful masculinity is having the confidence to look inside and say, “This is what I’m feeling, and it’s okay. Here’s my chest. I’ll gladly rip it open to someone who can help me.”
Johnson’s personal experiences have shaped his understanding of this message. Growing up an only child and facing the pressures of professional wrestling, he learned to keep his emotions bottled up. However, after losing several friends to suicide, he realized the power of vulnerability. “When I got to Maui, I was like, “Okay, I know who this is,'” he continues, “this guy who is very presentational, who puts on a show, who loves to hold court, sing and dance, and make people feel good. But there’s a lot that’s brewing deep down that, eventually, he is going to have to contend with because it’s like a ball that you’re holding underwater. Eventually, you’ve got to let the ball go, and it’s going to explode.”
By discussing these issues and representing them through Maui, Johnson hopes to inspire others to seek help when needed. “It’s an important moment for people to see that you can be strong, you can be big, you can be independent, but it’s okay to ask for help,” he adds. “When you do finally ask for help, the universe and your loved ones have a way of meeting you halfway. Even the strongest of people need help.”
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 premieres in theatres in India from November 29, 2024.