The original film follows Moana on a quest to save her island, Motunui, by seeking out Maui to restore the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti. The adventure culminates in a confrontation with a corrupted Te Fiti, who transforms into a lava monster named Te Ka.
My favourite part of the movie, and I got a lot of favourite parts, especially my stuff is at the end when Maui is ready to sacrifice himself to Te Ka, and he basically says bring it on, and Moana says: ‘Let her come to me.’
Johnson elaborated on the significance of this moment:
I love that moment because I think that’s the thing that represents not only the film and the character of Moana, but also I think represents on a larger scale, how important it is and how powerful it is when you’re empathetic. And even something may be evil-looking and extreme, and it’s a lava monster, but it takes a special person to see past that and go: ‘Hey, you’re just not understood, and I see beyond the anger, there’s something in you.’
The actor surprised fans on Tuesday morning to open the movie experience event in London alongside his co-star Laga’aia and director Thomas Kail. Johnson is also a co-producer on the film, alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed to the original film's songs. Actress Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features is also a co-producer on the live-action version.
Newcomer to the role, 19-year-old Australian actress Laga’aia, who will play Moana, expressed her admiration for Cravalho and the character.
I think she was an icon, she was a legend, same with Auliʻi. That was somebody that I grew up and I idolised and I really respected, so to step into her shoes and hopefully be that for the next generation and have kind of Auliʻi here with me doing the same thing, it’s a really special moment.
Laga’aia also mentioned receiving advice from Cravalho on navigating the industry and encouraged her to aim higher.
I think it’s something that is so simple yet so genius to think further for yourself, to want for more, because that’s how you’re going to get these incredible things and opportunities.
Director Thomas Kail highlighted the film's aim to celebrate Polynesian culture, stating his hope that audiences will appreciate the connection to ancestors.
The Polynesian culture, which is centred in this film is a great reminder of how important it is to remember who came before us, and also that it’s OK to be afraid of something. Moana doesn’t know, and … she’s both scared and brave at the same time, and I think that’s a wonderful quality.
The live-action Moana is scheduled for release in cinemas on July 10.
Featured names
- Dwayne Johnson
- Gary Lightbody
- Kylie Minogue
- Press Association
- Manuel Miranda
- Academy Award
- The Polynesian
- Singer Duffy
