Dwayne Johnson's incredible Moana 2 tribute to grandfather hailed as 'beautiful'

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson paid tribute to his grandfather, Peter Mavia, who was a Samoan wrestler and actor. The highly anticipated movie was released in the UK today

Dwayne Johnson shared a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather after the release of Moana 2. 

The actor took to Instagram to explain how the film holds special meaning for him, revealing that his character, Maui, was inspired by his grandfather, Peter Maivia. Peter, a Samoan wrestler and actor, passed away in 1982 at the age of 45. While driving home after the release, Johnson posted the video for his 395 million followers.

Johnson said: "As you know Moana has a deep personal connection to me because it’s our people. It’s our Polynesian people, it’s our Polynesian culture and it’s our Polynesian representation up on the big screen around the world.

“It’s so humbling and I’m so grateful. I want to say thank you so much for the amazing response and in addition to Moana being deeply personal, another layer of it being so personal, I think many of you know, the character that I play, Maui, was inspired by my grandfather, the late High Chief Peter Maivia, who’s buried here in Hawaii, on diamond head along with my uncle, Nef, my auntie, Ola and my grandmother, Lia Maivia.

“Everything I say as Maui, every word, every action, I’m living in my grandfather’s skin and you just feel the mana. You really feel the power and spirit and that’s why it’s so deeply personal to me and I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to everyone around the world, enjoy Moana, keep enjoying Moana, thank you for your feedback and have a happy and grateful thanksgiving, I appreciate you guys so much."

Johnson closed off the video by saying: “And I’ve got a big sushi plate waiting for me at home because I'm going to celebrate, I am done, my work is done and I think I haven't slept in six months but I’m going to sleep tonight. I love you guys, enjoy Moana.”

Fans flocked to the comments to respond to Johnson’s tribute with one penning: “This is beautiful.” Another wrote “We love you and that representation of us. The Polynesians! Mahalo.” “THE GREATEST DISNEY MOVIE EVER,” penned a third.

A fourth wrote: “Thank you for keeping the culture alive and keeping the people hopeful and proud!!!" And a fifth added: “Great film for All Pacific Island and Austronesian people. It displays many ancient and precolonial cultures.”

The highly anticipated movie was released in the UK today. As well as new storylines and new songs, the sequel sees Dwayne Johnson, as Maui, singing again. This comes after his hit performance track You're Welcome from the original movie. At Moana's lowest point in the film, Maui sings "Can I Get A Chee Hoo" as a pump-up song. Johnson previously revealed that his Moana song You're Welcome reached 4x platinum status.

The new film will also introduce Moana's three year old sister Simea as a new character, voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda. "She is an absolute scene stealer and such an emotional anchor in this story, I cannot wait for you guys to see her relationship with Moana, it's super special and amazing," Jared Bush said. Bush is the Chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and has penned both Moana movies.

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