Dwayne Johnson, who also voices the character Maui in Moana, may appear strong and invincible, but even the toughest people sometimes need help. It’s a lesson Johnson himself had to learn, growing up in an environment that emphasized traditional masculinity. And it’s a theme that runs through Moana 2, set to release on November 27. In this sequel, Maui faces both old and new challenges, including a mysterious character named Matangi, with whom he shares a complicated past. To overcome these obstacles, Maui will need to set aside his pride and rely on Moana’s help, if he’s willing to ask for it.
“Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to ask for help,” Johnson shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly at D23. “It makes us feel vulnerable, and stepping into that vulnerability isn’t easy.” Johnson explains that Maui, despite his god-like powers and abilities, reaches a moment where everything is taken from him. He has to choose whether to continue on his own or admit that he needs help, which can be difficult when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. But as Johnson says, asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it opens doors for growth.
Reflecting on his own life, Johnson reveals that this theme is very personal. As an only child, he grew up believing he had to handle everything on his own, without asking for support. That mindset continued throughout his career in football, professional wrestling, and even into acting. He recalls being told in Hollywood that he needed to change his appearance and drop the “The Rock” persona. At first, he bought into those doubts. But later, he realized that much of what he was feeling—self-doubt and fear—was rooted in a struggle with mental health, specifically depression.
Depression was a term rarely used in the hyper-masculine worlds Johnson was part of. “In those environments, it wasn’t okay to talk about it,” he shared. But over time, Johnson came to understand what he was experiencing and the importance of opening up. He realized that continuing to keep everything bottled up would lead down a dangerous path. The tragic loss of several close friends, who never sought the help they needed, further drove home the importance of seeking support when struggling.
Now, Johnson is vocal about the power of vulnerability. “It’s okay to be vulnerable. It doesn’t make you weak, it makes you stronger,” he emphasizes. He also stresses that real masculinity is about having the confidence to express your feelings and ask for help when needed. This is one of the reasons Maui’s storyline in Moana 2 resonates so deeply with him. Through his own experiences, Johnson hopes to be an advocate for others, showing that asking for help is a superpower, not a weakness.
While Moana 2 tackles these deeper themes, it’s still filled with the humor, adventure, and musical moments fans expect. Johnson promises that Maui’s favorite catchphrase, “Chee hoo!,” will make an appearance in a new song. For Johnson, the blend of meaningful messages and family entertainment is what drew him back to the role. He believes stories like Moana are essential because they provide a way for parents and kids to talk about important life lessons. “Even the strongest people need help,” he reminds us, “and that’s a message we want to share with our little ones.”
Ultimately, Moana 2 offers both a fun, magical adventure and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of asking for help, no matter how strong we may seem on the outside.