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As Dwayne Johnson walked into the room, we could all feel his charismatic personality fill up the room. He was suave, funny and still humble. He shared with us that playing the part of Maui in movie Moana was very important to him because this is the first animated movie to showcase his polynesian culture. He is very proud of his culture and wanted to make sure it was done right. He had worked with Disney in the past on two live action movies, but stated that “This was a different machine” and wanted to partake in the opportunity to hopefully create a classic.
Johnson mentioned that his biggest challenge to being in his first animated movie was “Learning to how to add real zest and life to words and sentences” yet he boasts how it was a real fascinating experience.
When asked about his opportunity to sing the song “You’re Welcome”, he shared that he felt this was a great way to push himself, but acknowledges that being a Disney movie, the bar is set very high. Despite the challenge, he said he was very confident going in and knew with all the surrounding help and talent he was very excited to be able to sing a song.
Dwayne hopes people walk away from Moana appreciating there is a wonderful quality and fierceness to the Polynesian culture. And, that no matter what your culture, age, or religion that we all listen and follow that little voice inside us. Follow your gut intuition and have faith that there is more, and you can be more.
Dwayne talked with us about his role as a father and how he will view upcoming role opportunities. He said he feels he has a responsibility when it comes to the messages of the movies and the roles they portray . We also had a question about his best tips for time management. He said we should all learn to check in with ourselves and evaluate where we need help and don’t be afraid to ask and accept help when you need it. He shared with us an adorable story about his daughter loving Pikachu, so Dwayne makes weekly “visits” at his home as Pikachu to surprise his daughter.
I love the message that he wants children and adults to walk away feeling. After they see the movie Moana, over all, he wants everyone to remember to listen to that little voice inside ourselves and to “have confidence in yourself ” to know “you are good enough” and ” you can do this”. I don’t think that could have been a better message or said any more perfect.
Make sure you mark you calendar for November 23rd
and watch Moana on the big screen!
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Visit the official MOANA website HERE
Disclosure : I was invited onto this all expense paid press trip to share with you my Moana experience. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pickett Krayniy says
How fun! I can’t wait to see the movie.