Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Laga’aia on Polynesian representation in live-action ‘Moana’

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – During a sit-down interview weeks before the premiere of Disney’s live-action remake of “Moana,” stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia talked about sharing their Polynesian heritage with the rest of the world.

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Johnson, who reprised his role as the demigod Maui, said, “I never experienced anything like this before, and I’ve had the privilege of playing a lot of characters in the past, but the reason why this was different is, number one, it’s our culture in real flesh and blood.”

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The latest installation of the Moana franchise stays true to the original, family-friendly cartoon comedy rich in island culture.

Johnson recalled living in Hawaii during his youth and noticing a lack of Polynesian representation in film.

“When I was going to McKinley here, or Washington Middle School, I would skip school at least twice a week to go to the theater in Waikiki and we would just go watch movies,” Johnson said. “But I wasn’t seeing myself on screen, and now, years later, we’re seeing ourselves on screen in this global way.”

Newcomer describes ‘insane experience’

Laga’aia, a Hollywood newcomer portraying Moana, added, “I think there was so much love for it (‘Moana’) when it first came around, that it deserved its next chance in the sun, and Polynesia and the Pacific Islands in general were just so loved.”

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When asked how it felt to have landed her breakthrough role, Laga’aia replied, “This has been such an insane experience, to kind of step into kind of completely blind. I feel I’m very much learning on the go… just trying to make sure that I’m doing everything to the best of my ability.”

Hawaii film industry shows signs of rebound

The anticipation for Moana, which was partially shot in Hawaii, comes as a measure to increase the state’s film tax credit awaits a final decision from Gov. Josh Green.

The governor’s office has told HNN, “The governor will carefully review this bill and other legislation enrolled to him. Decisions relating to these bills will be released at the appropriate time.”

Former Hawaii state film commissioner Donne Dawson said, “I think that lawmakers really get it for the first time, I think that they are interested in making Hawaii more attractive, making Hawaii more competitive.”

After a lull for Hawaii’s film industry, “Moana” is among several movies and TV shows recently produced in the islands, marking a rebound for show business.

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The movie premieres on July 10.