[Sportschosun, Reporter Ahn So-yoon] Actor Dwayne Johnson spoke about the aspects he focused on while playing Maui in the film "Moana."
At an online press conference for "Moana" held on the 29th, Dwayne Johnson said, "In this film, I wanted to show human authenticity through Maui's vulnerability."
Set for release on July 8, "Moana" is a live-action adaptation of the animated film of the same name. It follows Moana, a girl chosen by the sea, as she sets out into the unknown ocean with the legendary hero Maui to save an island cursed by a spell. Directed by Thomas Kail, who helmed the musical "Hamilton: An American Musical," which won 11 awards at the 70th Tony Awards, the film was produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed numerous OSTs including the signature track "How Far I'll Go."
Dwayne Johnson, who plays the legendary hero Maui, said, "Honestly, what I wanted to emphasize in the live-action film was his vulnerable side. Like in the animated version, Maui is playful and confident in the live-action film as well. He is also a brave, funny, and charming character who sings while showing off his beautiful hair, and many people think of him that way. But because he is human at his core, I wanted to add human authenticity to each scene."
He added, "Since he represents a real culture and real people, I wanted to show that Maui expresses masculinity but also has vulnerability. It is hard for actors, and for people in general, to show vulnerability as it is. But I admired that Maui could reveal his own vulnerability. Even though being abandoned as a baby must have been a wound, it is beautiful that the moment he honestly exposes that pain comes through Moana. I think it is special that Moana sees Maui's inner self. It felt as if Moana kept saying, 'Show who you are inside,' and I think that chemistry came through well in the film."
Ahn So-yoon, antahn22@sportschosun.com
