Dwayne Johnson is reflecting on his late grandfather Peter Maivia’s impact on his character in Moana and its soon-to-be-released sequel.
The wrestler-turned-actor reprises his voice role of Maui the demigod in Moana 2which hits theaters this week. During an appearance on Good Morning America Monday, Nov. 25, he paid tribute to his grandfather’s legacy in a conversation about the character.
“My grandfather, he died here, in Hawaii. And he died in 1982,” recalled Johnson, 52, getting visibly emotional. “We were here when he died, and I was running around; I didn’t understand the significance of his passing. I was 10.”
According to Johnson, Maivia, who was a Samoan high chief and WWE wrestler, “was just like Maui, from his build to his hair to his charisma, and he would sing, and he was loved.”
“So every time I play Maui, I’m in the skin of my grandfather. And it really moves me,” he added.
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Johnson, who will also play Maui in the upcoming live-action Moana movie, first revealed his character was partly inspired by Maivia back in October 2017.
The actor also paid his respects to his both grandfather and grandmother Ofelia Fuataga Maivia when he visited their graves in April 2019.
“Double shot of tequila ???? for him. Beautiful lei ???? for her. So good to spend some alone time with my grandma and grandpa today here in Hawaii,” Johnson captioned the image. “Life is so wildly hectic and unpredictable. But it’s amazing how slowing down to sit and talk with the spirits of your loved ones can recalibrate your soul.”
“Much needed. Heart is full. Love you both and I’ll keep my promise ????????,” he concluded.
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Elsewhere in his GMA interview, Johnson opened up about the concept of vulnerability for men, saying, “There’s this idealized way in our culture and society, in that men have to be tough.”
“I love that there’s a lot of mental health talk these days, ’cause 20 years ago there were no mental health check-ins — especially for dudes and men,’ ” he continued.
Asked about his similarities to his Moana character, the Red One actor said, “Maui is determined. I’m determined. Maui is a lover of language. He loves language, he loves words. And I enjoy that part too about what I do.”
“Maui had a tough background and a tough upbringing very early, for me too — here in Hawaii. It represents a lot of struggle here,” Johnson added. “Things are different these days, and I’m really grateful.”
Moana 2 swims into theaters Nov. 27.
