Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson share some of the funniest and most meaningful moments from making Disney's live-action Moana, from an unforgettable banana prank to the challenge of learning authentic Polynesian wayfinding.
In this exclusive Collider interview, Laga'aia explains why sailing sequences demanded real technique and how portraying Moana carried the responsibility of honoring Pacific Island traditions. Johnson reflects on finding Maui's comedic rhythm with his new co-star, surprising her with a banana-filled handshake, introducing his daughters to the new Moana, and the unexpectedly heavy version of Maui's legendary hook. They also discuss the cultural significance behind Moana's adornments and Maui's traditional Samoan-inspired tattoo, and why representing those traditions on screen meant so much to both of them.
If you're excited for Disney's live-action Moana, this behind-the-scenes conversation offers a fun look at the cast's chemistry alongside the care that went into bringing these beloved characters to life.
Chapters:
0:00 Catherine Laga'aia's Banana Mishap
0:37 Learning Real Polynesian Wayfinding
0:57 Building Moana & Maui's Chemistry
2:49 Dwayne Johnson's Favorite Set Memory
3:39 First-Day Nerves & Maui's Giant Hook
5:00 Honoring Samoan Culture Through Costume
Our Social Media:
facebook.com/collider
x.com/Collider
Our Website
collider.com
Video By Michael Zimmermann & Dano GS
For copyright matters, please contact us at: legal@valnetinc.com
#moana #disney #collider
Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson share some of the funniest and most meaningful moments from making Disney's live-action Moana, from an unforgettable banana prank to the challenge of learning authentic Polynesian wayfinding.
In this exclusive Collider interview, Laga'aia explains why sailing sequences demanded real technique and how portraying Moana carried the responsibility of honoring Pacific Island traditions. Johnson reflects on finding Maui's comedic rhythm with his new co-star, surprising her with a banana-filled handshake, introducing his daughters to the new Moana, and the unexpectedly heavy version of Maui's legendary hook. They also discuss the cultural significance behind Moana's adornments and Maui's traditional Samoan-inspired tattoo, and why representing those traditions on screen meant so much to both of them.
If you're excited for Disney's live-action Moana, this behind-the-scenes conversation offers a fun look at the cast's chemistry alongside the care that went into bringing these beloved characters to life.
Chapters:
0:00 Catherine Laga'aia's Banana Mishap
0:37 Learning Real Polynesian Wayfinding
0:57 Building Moana & Maui's Chemistry
2:49 Dwayne Johnson's Favorite Set Memory
3:39 First-Day Nerves & Maui's Giant Hook
5:00 Honoring Samoan Culture Through Costume
Our Social Media:
facebook.com/collider
x.com/Collider
Our Website
collider.com
Video By Michael Zimmermann & Dano GS
For copyright matters, please contact us at: legal@valnetinc.com
#moana #disney #collider
