Dwayne Johnson can finally rejoice. At the premiere of Disney’s live-action “Moana,” the star said that, growing up, he didn’t see himself represented in the media. “‘Indiana Jones’ inspired me. When I was 8 years old watching Harrison Ford, I was like, ‘I want to be that guy,’ but that guy didn’t look like me.” And so, as the film hits screens this weekend, Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander audiences, Johnson, and the film’s cast and creatives are finally finding much to celebrate.
It’s been a decade since the story about wayfarer Moana first sailed into theaters. The 2016 animation featured cultural touchstones nodding to Polynesian culture and folklore, and those moments resonated with audiences. The live-action feature brings it all to life. Aspects such as traditional Māori tribal tattoos, known as Tā moko, the rich expression of history through dance, and generations of Polynesian traditions are the beating heart of Thomas Kail’s adaptation. That left the film’s cast and creatives feeling a sense of pride at seeing their culture represented on screen.
To ensure that the representation was done with respect and authenticity, countless artisans, consultants, experts, advisors, and department heads worked closely with the Cultural Trust. Among those experts were Dr. Grant Muāgututiʻa (Lead Consultant, Cultural Trust), Tiana Nonosina Liufau (Choreographer, Associate Producer, Cultural Trust) and Opetaia Foaʻi (Songwriter).
