The action star lends his voice to a demigod, while bonding with Auli’i Cravalho
FROM being the superstar of wrestling to being christened People’s Sexiest Man Alive, it has been the year of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The 44-year-old raked in $64.5 million, getting placed
among the highest-paid actors. Despite his fall out with Fast and Furious co-star Vin Diesel, the Central Intelligence Agency star has been in the news for the right reasons. Brought to life in Disney’s latest animated movie Moana, The Rock dons the role of Hawaiian demigod, Maui.
What was the most exciting part of the project?
The movie showcases a piece of culture that is an integral part of my life. This is also the first time that the Pacific islands are being showcased on the big-screen with such pomp.
Describe playing the demigod Maui.
I’ve grown-up listening to stories of Maui — the Great Demigod, the shapeshifter-who is charismatic and larger than life. When you grow up listening to these stories and then you end up playing this character, you are blown away by its enormity.
Are there any parallels between you and the character you play?
I think that there are a lot of similarities. Maui is known to be determined; I’m known to be very resilient when I want to accomplish things. Maui is incredibly charismatic, I got a little bit of that. Maui has a tremendous voice, I’ve got a little bit of that too. Maui is incredibly good looking, I think I may have a bit of charm.
How would you describe the relationship between Maui and Moana?
Moana finds the heart of Tafiti (the Mother Goddess of Life) and has to restore the heart to bring balance to the world. Maui, a trickster, who had stolen the heart of Tafiti loses his prized possession — his magical fish hook. Moana seeks the help of great and powerful demigod, who in turn realises that he needs Moana to find his magical hook.
Moana releases today.