“As many of you know, and maybe some of you may not know, but the character of Maui was deeply inspired by my grandfather, the High Chief Peter Malavia. He’s walking in the clouds now. He passed away when I was 10 years old. We were close. And I guess the closest you could be is a 10-year-old kid. This is my grandfather. He inspired the character of Maui. He’d be very proud right now,” he said in the video.

“I mean, it wasn’t just like his hair and his tattoos, and he was a big man, and he was so powerful. He was so charismatic, and all the things that Maui is, and he loved to sing. My grandfather loved to sing with his ukulele; he would play a tough guy, too as well. He had a wicked sense of humour, one-of-a-kind spirit. He loved to sing, ‘My way’ that was one of his favourites, you know, and ‘I left my heart in San Francisco’. But you know the spirit and the mana found its way into Maui about ten years ago when I gave him that emotion and I do feel such deep connection and pride and gratitude channelling my late grandfather on screen and so when you guys sese moana and you see embodying Maui in this live action version and I m so excited to show you guys and show the world I think every word, yeah every lyric that he sings, every chee hoo, that’s my grandfather, so this is for you, high chief,” Johnson shared.

The actor shared the video along with a special note in which he said he missed his grandfather a lot. Check out the link below:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXSs10kj1Qy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Produced by Walt Disney Studios, Moana is set to release in theatres in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on 10th July, 2026.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Dwayne Johnson Reveals The Inspiration Behind ‘Moana’! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The adaptation officially stars newcomer #CatherineLagaaia in the titular role of Moana, alongside global #DwayneJohnson, who reprises his iconic role as the shape-shifting demigod Maui.

The first look features Laga’aia beautifully performing lines from the iconic song “How Far I’ll Go,” bringing the film’s beloved musical score to life in a new way. The teaser also gave glimpses of key returning characters, including Moana’s sidekick Hei-Hei and a brief look at Maui’s powerful form.

Rounding out the core cast are John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala. The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton) and is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia. Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer.

Walt Disney Studios releases Moana in Indian languages on 10th July 2026.

Moana | Official Teaser | In Cinemas July 10

By Keerti Kadam

The post ‘Moana’, starring Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson, to release on 10th July 2026, first look out! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.