By Ed Diokno
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a former professional wrestler and football player, is more than a muscle-bound, action movie star.
In the upcoming animated movie, Moana, he displays his singing talent. He sings You’re Welcome, a brand new song written for the movie by Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame.
RELATED: First trailer for Moana
For centuries, the greatest sailors in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, 3,000 years ago, their voyages stopped for a millennium – and no one knows exactly why.
Moana is a sweeping, animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who is inspired to leave the safety and security of her island on a daring journey to save her people. Inexplicably drawn to the ocean, Moana (voice of Auliʻi Cravalho) convinces the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Johnson) to join her mission, and he reluctantly helps her become a way finder like her ancestors who sailed before her.
Together, they voyage across the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills her quest and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
In casting of the voices, Disney sought Pacific Islanders to play the main roles. The selection of Johnson, who is Samoan American, was a no-brainer. He is the highest-paid movie star in Hollywood.
In open auditions, Disney found Cavalho, who is Hawaiian American.
Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23.
Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23.
Ed Diokno writes a blog :Views From The Edge: news and analysis from an Asian American perspective.
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