Dwayne Johnson loved working with his daughters on ‘Moana 2‘.
The 52-year-old actor stars in the new animated film, and his daughters relished the opportunity to voice two characters in ‘Moana 2’. The collaboration marks their first professional acting roles, continuing the Johnson family’s entertainment legacy.
“They loved it. Loved, loved it,” Dwayne – who has Jasmine, eight, and Tiana, six, with his wife Lauren Hashian – told E! News. “They hadn’t seen it before. They knew they were in it, and they were sitting on the edge of their seats, literally, and just waiting. And then their scene came up, and they’re just like, ‘That’s me!’ It was so cool.” The family screening took place at Disney’s private theater, where many celebrated animated films have premiered.
The wrestler-turned-actor joked that having his daughters in ‘Moana 2’ was one of the perks of being famous. This family collaboration follows a growing trend in Hollywood of actors working alongside their children, creating meaningful on-screen memories.
Dwayne – who also has Simone, 23, with his ex-wife Dany Garcia – quipped: “That’s the good stuff of fame. And nepotism.” His candid approach to discussing industry privileges has been praised by fans and critics alike for its refreshing honesty.
The Hollywood star recently revealed that he hopes ‘Moana 2’ inspires young girls to follow their dreams. The original Moana film has been credited with inspiring countless young viewers since its release in 2016, with its messages of determination and cultural pride resonating worldwide.
Dwayne observed that the new movie centers on the theme of “female empowerment”. This focus aligns with Disney’s recent commitment to creating more diverse and empowering stories for young audiences, with studies showing the positive impact of such representation on children’s development.
Speaking to E! News, Dwayne explained: “I think that the main thing about ‘Moana’ is this idea of female empowerment, and this idea that we always say, ‘What’s it like being on the reef and looking beyond the reef?'” The metaphor has become a powerful symbol for pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons.
Dwayne stressed that the movie’s central message is universal, “even if you’re not part of Polynesian culture”. The film’s cultural authenticity has been praised by Pacific Islander communities while maintaining its broad appeal to global audiences.
The actor – who is one of the best-paid stars in the movie business – said: “It’s this idea that what people like to do – especially to young girls – is kind of constrain them, and pretzel them into, ‘You can only be so much.’ But in ‘Moana 2’, you can actually be anything you want.” This message resonates particularly strongly in today’s society, where conversations about gender equality and opportunities for young women continue to evolve.
The sequel’s production involved extensive collaboration with Polynesian cultural consultants to ensure authentic representation, building on the foundation established by the first film. The musical score features traditional Polynesian instruments and vocal techniques, blending them with contemporary arrangements.
Industry analysts predict ‘Moana 2’ will continue the success of its predecessor, with early tracking suggesting strong box office potential. The involvement of Johnson’s daughters has already generated significant media interest, contributing to the film’s pre-release buzz.
The movie’s themes of family, courage, and cultural pride are expected to resonate with audiences worldwide, particularly as families increasingly seek entertainment options that combine entertainment with positive messages. Educational experts have noted the potential impact of such films on young viewers’ cultural awareness and self-confidence.
Johnson’s participation in the sequel, along with his daughters, adds a personal dimension to the project that has captured public interest. His social media posts about the experience have garnered millions of likes, demonstrating the strong connection between his personal and professional life that resonates with fans.