Dwayne Johnson is weighing in on the mixed reception to the live-action Moana movie. The producer and star of the film opened up about the critical reviews, acknowledging that the reaction didn’t go the way he had hoped, but emphasizing that the film’s authentic representation was always the priority.
“I remember reading the first two reviews that came out, and I thought, ‘Oh great! We’re on our way. This is going to be a good time,'” Johnson recalled. “And then the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth came out, and I realized, ‘Oh, okay, it went another way.’ But it’s okay, it is what it is.”
The film, which opened on July 31, has received largely negative reviews from critics, currently holding a 34% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Johnson is focusing on the feedback that matters most to him: the response from the Pacific Island community. “The authentic representation was why the movie was made,” he emphasized. He noted that from “day one” of production, the goal was to ensure the film honored the culture it depicts.
Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, said he has been overwhelmed by the response from people of Pacific Island descent. He shared numerous messages from community members who expressed gratitude for seeing their culture represented on screen in a way that felt true and respectful. “That is what is most important,” he said.
