Bretman Rock’s sweaty, starstruck sit-down with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Hawaii offers a look at Disney’s live-action “Moana” and the growing visibility of Pacific Islander and Filipino talent in global entertainment.
“Meeting your idol is one thing,” Bretman has joked about the encounter, “sweating so much he hands you a towel is another.”
The interview, captured on Bretman’s Instagram story and shared across his social media accounts, brings together two “Rocks” whose personal histories and cultural roots intersect in Hawaii. Johnson greets him with “What’s up, brother?” as the two talk about Hawaii and Disney’s latest “Moana” voyage.
Filmed in Hawaii, where “Moana” is set and where both have ties, the interview helps promote the film around themes of island pride and representation.
The project is a live-action remake of Disney’s 2016 animated hit “Moana,” part of a franchise that now includes the 2024 animated sequel “Moana 2,” with the new live-action version scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on July 10.
“To all our Pacific people out there,” Johnson says during the interview, “what I hope you experience with ‘Moana’ is pride.”
For Bretman, the moment is personal.
The Filipino American influencer, who rose to prominence through beauty tutorials, humor and lifestyle content, finally shares with Johnson the story behind his name, a tale he says he has waited “27 years” to tell.
“My dad and his twin brother – they were really obsessed with wrestling,” Bretman tells him. “We should name him Bretman Rock. And it’s from Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart and you. So I was named after you.”
Speaking nervously and sweating under the Hawaiian sun, Bretman adds: “I mean, The Rocks are always famous. I feel like all The Rocks are always sexy. So, period. I’m glad my dad knew what he was doing.”
Johnson responds: “No way. What? You’re doing so good, man. You’re kicking ass. You have a gazillion followers. It’s just amazing. And I did not know that.”
For Fil-Am audiences, the interview marks another milestone in Bretman’s trajectory as one of the most visible Filipino digital creators in the United States, often described as among the first Filipino influencers to break through in the U.S. mainstream.
In 2022, Bretman was named a TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) honoree but could not attend the ceremony due to prior commitments, a footnote to a career now punctuated by moments like this “Moana” interview.
Tofanews.com credits the interview material to Bretman’s IG story and related social media posts.
