Maui
Moana character
First appearanceMoana (2016)
Created byRon Clements
John Musker
Based onMāui
Portrayed byDwayne Johnson
In-universe information
SpeciesDemigod (formerly human)
Title
  • Shapeshifter
  • Demigod of the Wind and Sea
  • Hero of Men and Women
WeaponFish hook
FamilyGods (adoptive family)
NationalityPolynesian

Maui (/maʊwiː/) is a fictional character from the animated film Moana. Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker and voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is loosely based on Māui from Hawaiian mythology. In the film, Maui is depicted as a demigod who was abandoned by his parents and eventually adopted by the gods.

Development

Maui is primarily based on Māui in Hawaiian mythology.[1] The character's backstory, however, was simplified, and made him an orphan.[2]

Eric Goldberg worked on the hand-drawn animation used to depict Maui's living tattoos.[3][4] During early development, the filmmakers considered the possibility of making the film with hand-drawn traditional animation, but only a few early animation tests were made in that style. In the final cut, only Maui's tattoos are hand-drawn.[5]

Voice

Maui is voiced by Dwayne Johnson in the English version of Moana, and will physically portray the character in the live-action remake.

On December 2, 2014, it was announced that Dwayne Johnson was in talks to voice Maui,[6] and was excited to be cast.[7] For his role, Johnson was paid $21 million.[8]

Portrayal

In April 2023, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Walt Disney Pictures was developing a live-action adaptation of Moana, with Dwayne Johnson set to reprise his role as Maui along with a new supporting cast.[9] On the announcement, Johnson remarked "I'm deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."[10]

Appearances

Moana film (2016)

In Moana, Maui is a legend who owns a massively huge fish hook allowing him to shape-shift into different animals, and stole the heart of Te Fiti, causing the ocean to suffer. Moana convinces Maui to help her restore the heart of Te Fiti.[11]

Once Upon a Studio (2023)

Maui appears alongside other Disney characters in the 2023 short film Once Upon a Studio, in which Dwayne Johnson reprises his role.[12]

Moana series (2024)

Maui will return in the Disney+ series Moana, set for a release in 2024.[13] It is one of the first spin-offs to be produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios itself instead of its television animation division.

Reception

Critical reception

Los Angeles Times called Maui a "boisterous agent of show-stopping supernatural chaos".[14] The Oklahoman wrote that Maui's hand-drawn tattoos "[stole] the show".[15]

References

  1. ↑ Forrest, Suse (June 2, 2020). "Is Disney's 'Moana' Based On a True Story?". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  2. ↑ Caldwell, Ellen C. (June 6, 2017). "The Polynesian Origin Myths Behind Disney's Moana". JSTOR Daily. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  3. ↑ Madison, Charles (March 1, 2015). "Concept art of Maui, Dwayne Johnson's character in Disney's Moana". filmdivider.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  4. ↑ Siegemund-Broka, Austin (June 16, 2015). "Veteran Animator Eric Goldberg Joins USC Film School Faculty". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  5. ↑ Busch, Jenna. "D23: Interview with Moana's Dwayne Johnson and the Filmmakers". Welcome to the Legion!. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  6. ↑ Ge, Linda (December 2, 2014). "Dwayne Johnson in Talks to Voice Key Role in Disney's 'Moana'". TheWrap. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  7. ↑ Huver, Scott (August 24, 2015). "Dwayne Johnson Was Rocked By His Casting in Disney's Animated Moana". CBR. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  8. ↑ Pevens, Lane (October 21, 2020). "Here's How Much Dwayne Johnson Was Paid For 'Moana'". TheThings. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Live-Action Moana in the Works from Dwayne Johnson, Disney". The Hollywood Reporter. 3 April 2023. Archived from the original on 3 April 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Dwayne Johnson And Bob Iger Reveal Live-Action 'Moana' In Development". Deadline. 3 April 2023. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  11. ↑ Golder, Andy (October 20, 2020). "I'm Gonna Ask You 20 Questions — All About The Movie "Moana" — And You'd Better Get 'Em Right". BuzzFeed. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  12. ↑ Giardina, Carolyn (2023-09-22). "Disney Characters Assemble in 'Once Upon a Studio' Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  13. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 4, 2021). "Walt Disney Animation Amps Up Production With New Vancouver Studio, First Project Is 'Moana' Musical Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  14. ↑ Chang, Justin (November 22, 2016). "Review: Disney's gorgeous 'Moana' offers sweet relief to audiences looking for an escape from everyday reality". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  15. ↑ McDonnell, Brandy (November 23, 2016). "Movie review: 'Moana'". Oklahoman.com. Retrieved November 30, 2020.

Further reading

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