Disney’s incredibly popular Polynesian heroine is back for another adventure as the animated sequel Moana 2 is out in theaters now! Before the film’s release, we chatted with new Moana actor Hualālai (Hua) Chung, who voices Moni, to learn more about joining the cast and the importance of embracing culture through his character.
The sequel to Moana takes place three years after the events of the first film. After receiving an unexpected call from her ancestors, Moana reunites with Maui and journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into the dangerous waters for an adventure to break Nalo’s curse. Auli’i Cravahlo and Dwayne Johnson reprise their star roles of Moana and Maui and the film also stars Rose Matafeo, Nicole Sherzinger, Temuera Morrison, and many more. Hua said he met both Auli’i and Dwayne and called them an inspiration to Polynesian culture.
“I am of native Polynesian ancestry so to see a film and story like Moana that represents our people is so huge.”
Hua’s character Moni is a new addition to the sequel and is a member of Moana’s wayfinding crew and also a fan of Maui’s. Moni is everyone’s best friend and also the historian and storyteller of the group.
“[Moni] is such a big guy with a big heart and big smile, it is impossible not to fall in love with him.”
While Moana 2 is animated, Hua actually had to act out the scenes in the sound booth as if it were live action. There are often cameras placed in the sound booth to capture different movements and expressions so animators can bring the characters to life. Hua also revealed that every scene in the film was re-recorded 20-30 times so it was fun watching to see which takes were chosen.
“I’m really grateful that we had amazing directors, producers, and writers that did an incredible job in setting us up in being able to visualize the scenes.”
The majority of the cast on Moana 2 is of Polynesian descent, and Hua said he felt so much pride being a part of this story that embraces his and his family’s culture. Disney even created an Oceanic Cultural Trust that brought in cultural advisors to accurately portray Polynesian experience and Hua had a lot of freedom to bring his own experiences into voicing Moni.
“I was given the freedom to be Moni and I’m really grateful our directors felt I was a representation of Moni.”
Hua said he has long been a Disney fan because Disney has a way of making people feel loved and included and that is what he tries to bring out in his acting projects and in life.
“The cool thing with Disney animation is there is also a sense of strong heart in all of the films.”
Thank you, Hua, for chatting with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at @mr.hualalai. Also be sure to watch the rest of the interview where we ask him more about working in the sound booth, embracing Polynesian culture, and the iconic fire knife dance he did at the premiere. (Credit to Darryl Oumi, Kevin Mazur, and Rodin Eckenroth for the photos). While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.
Consider this:
- If you are working on a project and ever have questions about how something or someone is being portrayed, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
- Not only is it important to embrace your character and where they came from, but also embrace yourself and your own culture. Oftentimes, the two will go together and if you are passionate about your heritage, that will shine through.
