Movies

The Rock Celebrates Lilo & Stitch’s Success Ahead of Moana’s Live-Action Release!

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For Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ohana holds significant value in his connection with Disney. He’s not only taken on the character of Maui in both Moana and its sequel (both available for streaming with a Disney+ subscription), but he’ll also reappear as the renowned demigod in the upcoming live-action Disney remake. Prior to the release of this movie, the ex-wrestler extended congratulations to the Lilo & Stitch remake on its box office triumph.

Disney’s recent live-action adaptations have shown a range of successes recently. For instance, “Mufasa” outperformed “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” at the box office, but it garnered mixed feedback from critics. Similarly, “Snow White” received mediocre reviews and struggled to attract audiences. Conversely, “Lilo & Stitch” has been a massive hit during Memorial Day weekend, earning over $145 million in domestic sales.

From the moment I closely monitored the initial trends, it seemed promising, and that optimism probably led Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) to post this message on his Instagram:

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that only one individual or entity is privileged enough to clutch Maui’s magical hook – an amusing thought indeed! 🪝😜

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our beloved Lilo & Stitch family for their remarkable box office success this weekend. Your tireless efforts have truly resonated with the audience, and I’m proud to see you deliver such a delightful experience for fans everywhere.

The global acceptance and appreciation of Polynesian culture has been nothing short of humbling to witness. The mana – the spiritual power – is palpable, and it’s an honor to be a part of this incredible journey.

Congratulations, family! Mahalo (thank you) to everyone who’s joined us in theaters this weekend to celebrate this extraordinary achievement. Keep shining brightly!

It’s likely very significant for Dwayne Johnson that another Disney movie showcasing Polynesian culture is doing well at the box office. The film, Lilo & Stitch, which brings back one of Hollywood’s most beloved pets, appears to be resonating with a new audience and perhaps even those who remember the 2002 original. The movie, set for release in 2025, has had an impressive start and things are looking promising as its run continues!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s bond with Polynesian culture stems from his mother, who is Samoan. His maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, was highly respected as the “High Chief” in Samoan wrestling. To put it simply, Johnson appears to be deeply rooted in his heritage. He even has a traditional Samoan Pe’a tattoo on his left side that symbolizes his family history. Additionally, he and his wife Lauren Hashian held a private wedding ceremony in Hawaii in 2019.

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It appears that Hawaii has significance in Dwayne Johnson’s career. Previously, the actor expressed that filming the movie Jumanji in Hawaii was significant for him because it allowed him to deepen his ties with his Polynesian heritage.

Johnson’s portrayal of Maui has been significant for him personally too. During interviews about this role, he’s emphasized his commitment to delivering an authentic Polynesian representation. This has resonated with families worldwide. If the remake of Moana can capture the culture effectively, it might strengthen the message that diverse stories need telling and inspire people globally. Here’s Johnson’s full Instagram post for your perusal:

Maui, often known for replying with “You’re welcome,” recently received “a heartfelt congratulations” from Dwayne Johnson, acknowledging the impressive box office performance of Lilo & Stitch. It’s delightful to witness such recognition from a top-tier star towards a fresh release, currently playing in cinemas near you. Don’t forget to catch Dwayne Johnson as Maui when he reprises his role in the live-action remake of Moana, hitting theaters on July 10, 2026.

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2025-05-26 15:38

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