Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a symbol of strength, both as himself and as the mighty demigod Maui in Disney’s *Moana*. But in *Moana 2*, releasing on November 27, even Maui, who seems capable of taking on any challenge, learns that true strength sometimes comes from vulnerability — especially when it involves asking for help.
In the highly anticipated sequel, Maui faces new challenges, including a run-in with a mysterious figure from his past named Matangi (played by Awhimai Fraser). As tensions rise, Maui might need to turn to his trusted ally, Moana, for assistance — but first, he’ll have to confront his pride and embrace his vulnerability.
"Sometimes the hardest thing you can do is ask for help," Johnson explains. "It puts you in a vulnerable position, but that’s where real strength comes from."
For Johnson, this theme of vulnerability resonates deeply with his personal life. Growing up around traditional ideas of masculinity, he was taught that men should be tough, self-reliant, and never show weakness. "I grew up being the one to take care of things, to solve problems, and to never ask for help," he shares. "That’s the way it was in the worlds I lived in—football, wrestling, and even in Hollywood."
But as his career progressed, Johnson began to recognize the toll this mindset was taking on his mental health. Like Maui in *Moana 2*, he reached a point where he had to strip away the façade of invincibility and confront his internal struggles. "There was a time when I didn’t even know how to identify what I was going through," Johnson admits. "It was only later in life that I understood it was depression."
Johnson's experience with depression, particularly in environments where emotions were suppressed, made him realize the importance of opening up and asking for support. "Depression wasn’t a word we used much in the circles I moved in. But once I started acknowledging my own mental health challenges, I realized how important it was to seek help before it was too late."
In recent years, Johnson has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, especially among men, where the stigma of asking for help remains prevalent. The death of several close friends who struggled with mental health issues but never sought help was a turning point for him. "A handful of my friends chose to check out because the pain became too much," Johnson says. "They didn’t see that help was available, even though it was right in front of them."
For Johnson, these losses cemented his belief that being vulnerable is a sign of strength, not weakness. "There’s a misconception, especially for men, that asking for help is a sign of failure. But in reality, it’s one of the bravest things you can do," he emphasizes. "Masculinity is not about always being tough; it’s about having the confidence to face what’s inside and admit when you need help."
This message is at the heart of Maui’s character arc in *Moana 2*. As Maui battles external foes and internal struggles, the film offers a powerful reminder to audiences of all ages that even the strongest heroes need help sometimes. Johnson sees *Moana 2* as more than just an entertaining adventure—it’s an opportunity to spark conversations about mental health and vulnerability with younger audiences.
"We want to show kids and families that it’s okay to admit when you’re struggling," Johnson explains. "Through the magic of storytelling, we can talk about important life lessons in a way that’s accessible to children, but also resonates with adults."
Despite its deeper emotional themes, *Moana 2* promises the same thrilling action, humor, and musical excitement that made the first movie a beloved classic. Fans can look forward to epic adventures, heartfelt moments, and even a new song from Maui, featuring his iconic catchphrase, "Chee hoo!"
For Johnson, returning to the role of Maui in *Moana 2* felt like a natural fit, especially with the film's focus on asking for help and embracing vulnerability. "I know who Maui is—he’s this larger-than-life character who loves to perform and entertain. But underneath all of that, there’s a lot going on, and eventually, he has to face it," Johnson says. "It’s like trying to hold a beach ball underwater. Sooner or later, it’s going to come to the surface."
With *Moana 2*, Johnson hopes that viewers—young and old—will walk away not only entertained but also reminded that strength isn’t just about power and independence. "Even the toughest people need help sometimes," he concludes. "And when you finally ask for it, the world has a way of meeting you halfway."