The live-action remake arrives a decade after the 2016 animated original. Johnson, who is of Samoan descent, considers the role a tribute to his late grandfather, Samoan high chief Peter Maivia. He stated his aim for the live-action version was to embody Maui's vulnerability, adding that while the character is cheeky and full of bravado, his swagger needed depth.

I wanted the live action version to embody his vulnerability.

Johnson highlighted Maui's backstory, including his abandonment as a baby, and the moment he reveals his vulnerability, influenced by Moana's empathetic nature. "The one time he does show his vulnerability is by the influence of Moana," Johnson said, describing her as a young woman with an uncanny ability to think empathetically.

Laga'aia, a 19-year-old Sydney native of Samoan heritage, grew up watching the animated "Moana" and credits the character with shaping her own ambition, courage, and curiosity. "Getting to see and have that representation so young was definitely part of the reason why I've grown up to be so much like her," she said.

Director Thomas Kail recalled that Laga'aia's audition tape, where she sang "How Far I'll Go," made him realize she understood the feeling of yearning. Kail, who is making his feature directorial debut after winning a Tony for the Broadway musical "Hamilton," admitted to Laga'aia that it was his first movie and encouraged her to voice any uncertainties.

(Catherine), this is my first movie. And if there's something that you don't know, say you don't know it. I'm going to say I don't know it.

Johnson, a father of three daughters, related to Laga'ia's position as a newcomer facing a significant role. "We felt like, let this young woman step on this set and do the scared thing," he said. "The thing that's really scary is to act in this film as a 17-year-old, and the film is called Moana. But do it completely, and we got your back."

Kail emphasized the film's message, drawing from a line by Gramma Tala: that even when feeling alone, one is never truly abandoned. "We're trying to honor the ancestors of those films, those who came before us," he stated. "We can go forth and we're not alone, even in the moments where we feel that everybody has fled."

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• Korea Herald
• Dwayne Johnson
• Catherine Laga
• Peter Maivia
• President Lee
• Inside Lilly
• Johnny Somali
• Chips Inside
• Korea Lifestyle