Dwayne Johnson Cites Indiana Jones, Rejects Race Question at Moana Premiere

During a Variety interview at the Disney live‑action Moana premiere, Dwayne Johnson was asked about the first time he saw his culture represented on screen without caricature. Johnson responded by pointing to the 1981 film Indiana Jones, saying the character inspired him as a child and that he never felt limited by his own background. He rejected the premise that he could not be the hero because of race, stating, “No,” when pressed about feeling excluded.

Johnson also emphasized Moana’s broader appeal, describing its message as one that encourages curiosity and ambition for children of all backgrounds, not just a specific cultural group.