You Probably Missed This Heartwarming Detail About Dwayne Johnson's Moana Character

Updated on Oct 6, 2017 at 6:55 PM

By now, you've probably watched Moana a dozen times, but you might not know about the heartfelt connection Dwayne Johnson shares with his character, Maui. As it turns out, Maui was actually inspired by Johnson's real-life grandfather, WWE Hall of Famer Peter Maivia. Johnson revealed the fun tidbit on Twitter on Tuesday after a fan pointed out the resemblance between Maui and Maivia. "A lil' @Disney gem of a secret, my character Maui was partly inspired by my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia of Samoa. #grateful," Johnson wrote.

Johnson's sweet family connection just makes Moana that much more inspiring and beautiful.

Movies
Dwayne Johnson
Celebrity Families
Moana

Celebrity

Fashion

Fitness

Beauty

Love

Family

Shop

You Probably Missed This Heartwarming Detail About Dwayne Johnson's Moana Character

Related

Gina Brillon: The Loss of My Grandmother Pushed Me to Pursue Comedy

Gina Brillon is a Puerto Rican actress, stand-up comedian, writer, and mom born and raised in the Bronx.

Sasha Merci: How Comedy Has Helped Me Navigate Depression

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked Latine comedians and creators we admire how comedy has supported them in overcoming trauma and confronting life's most significant challenges.

Ian Lara: Comedy Gave Me the Strength to Overcome My Mother's Death

Ian Lara is a Dominican American stand-up comedian from Queens, NY, who found internet success after his appearance on "Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring," which has garnered over 10 million views.

Willow Smith Used Meditation and Workouts to Fuel the Creativity on "Empathogen"

Willow Smith's "b i g f e e l i n g s" is the final song on her new album, "empathogen."

Nicki Nicole Says Rap Music Helped Her Get Out of Her Shell

It's a drizzly Thursday afternoon in New York City, and Nicki Nicole has spent most of her day answering back-to-back interview questions from journalists.

Revisiting Jennifer Lopez’s 2011 Album “Love?” and What It Signifies Today

As the anniversary of Jennifer Lopez's sixth studio album "Love?" approaches, it's a fitting time to reflect on this album's significance within J Lo's career, its impact on fans, and its continued relevance in light of her recent endeavors.

Thalia's "A Mucha Honra" Album Is a Love Letter to Música Mexicana

Throughout her illustrious career, Thalia has proudly represented Mexican culture through her music, iconic looks, and unforgettable performances.

Chuwi Is the Voice of a New Puerto Rican Generation

With a bassy voice and over a minimalist syncopated beat, Wilfredo "Willy" Aldarondo sings of lament.

Camila Mendes on Why We Need More Latine Representation in Rom-Coms

A simple Google search of "the best rom-coms of all time" will take you down a nostalgic hole of '90s and early-'00s movies like "10 Things I Hate About You," "While You Were Sleeping," and "P.S.

Saraciea Fennell: "The Black Girl Survives in This One" Is the Representation I Didn't See in Horror Books

I've always been obsessed with horror.

Selena Quintanilla Deserves to Be Celebrated This Year — Not Exploited

Fifty-three years ago today, the world was blessed with the birth of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who became an eternal icon in Latin pop culture and music.

Bad Bunny's First NYC Show From His Most Wanted Tour Is Proof His Latine Fans Still Come First

When I first learned that Bad Bunny's sold-out Most Wanted Tour included three back-to-back shows at the Barclays Center in NYC and one that landed on my birthday, April 11, it all seemed meant to be.