The Rock Reveals Maui Was Inspired By His Grandfather High Chief Peter Maivia

TLDR

The Rock revealed on Instagram that his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, was the inspiration for his character Maui in Disney's Moana. The Rock explained that Maui was built from the same energy, charisma, and power that made his grandfather a wrestling legend, noting Maivia's tattoos, physical presence, and tough persona influenced the character. The post came 43 years after Maivia's death in Hawaii in 1982, with The Rock describing playing Maui as "deeply personal" because it allows him to honor his grandfather's spirit.