In a testament to the enduring power of family legacy, Hollywood’s most bankable star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, draws constant inspiration from his late grandfather, a Samoan high chief who embodied the very essence of masculinity. As the founder of a fast-growing men’s grooming brand, Johnson’s admiration for his grandfather’s traditional values and rugged charm has become the guiding force behind his entrepreneurial endeavors. The Rock’s tribute to his grandfather’s unyielding spirit is a poignant reminder that the truest definitions of strength and character often reside in the stories of those who came before us. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how Johnson’s grandfather has left an indelible mark on his life, and the remarkable men’s grooming brand that’s been inspired by the man who taught him what it means to be a true leader.
Dwayne Johnson On How His Late Samoan Grandfather Continues to Inspire His Men’s Grooming Brand: “He Epitomized True Masculinity”
Ahead of Father’s Day, Dwayne Johnson reveals how he continues to honor his influential late grandfather through his men’s grooming brand, Papatui, and his film roles.
In a new Instagram post, the Jungle Cruise star and girl dad shared how his Samoan grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, “epitomized true masculinity and ‘self care’ before self care became a popular term” he wrote.
“[He] was a big influence on me, respected everywhere he went and knew how to take care of himself, and he was also the inspiration behind my character Maui from Moana,” Johnson explains in the video, which also coincides with Papatui’s debut in Walmart stores and online.
The brand is also available at Target.
The Inspiration Behind Johnson’s Character Maui from Moana
The superstar entrepreneur has previously spoken about how his affordable body care company’s name comes from “little tui,” the nickname given to him by his grandfather; and “papa,” which also means “rock” in Samoan and references his favorite role as a father.
The 53-year-old father of three continued, “We all have fathers, grandfathers, father figures in our lives who could use a little self care, which is why this Father’s Day, I recommend you get them Papatui men’s care essentials from Walmart. Unleash your inner Papatui — I have no idea what that means but it sounds cool!”
About Papatui
Launched last year, Papatui spans skin care; body washes, soaps and lotions; aluminum-free deodorants and antiperspirants; hair care; tattoo care and more grooming products, all under $13.
The formulas are all vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without phthalates, parabens and sulfates, while the brand’s hero fragrances were developed by Frank Voelkl, who created Le Labo’s bestselling Santal 33.
Voelkl is behind signature scents such as Sandalwood Suede, Papatui’s warm and woody “proprietary five-star resort and spa” fragrance; Lush Coconut with notes of vanilla that smells like “a luxury island escape”; and Cedar Sport, a fresh cedarwood aroma that “gives a hit of ‘conquer the day’ energy in the mornings.”
The brand also offers Vanilla Shea and unscented options.
Shop Papatui’s Father’s Day Picks and More
Shop The Rock’s Father’s Day picks and other gift selections below, and see more of Papatui’s bundles at Walmart, Target and papatui.com.
- Shop Papatui’s Father’s Day Picks at Walmart
- Shop Papatui’s Father’s Day Picks at Target
- Shop Papatui’s Bundles at papatui.com
Ridley Scott Believes He’s “Done Enough” with the Alien Franchise
Ridley Scott believes he’s “done enough” with the Alien franchise.
In a recent interview with Morningpicker, the director looked back on his time with the extraterrestrial movie series and admitted he thought the franchise was “deadened” after the fourth film, Alien Resurrection.
“I think I felt it was deadened after 4,” he said. “I think mine was pretty damn good, and I think Jim’s was good, and I have to say the rest were not very good. And I thought, ‘Fuck, that’s the end of a franchise which should be as important as bloody Star Trek or Star Wars,’ which I think is phenomenal.”
The Director’s Thoughts on the Franchise
Scott helmed the original 1979 Alien film and went on to return to the director’s chair for the fifth film, Prometheus, in 2012.
There, he also served as a producer and signed on once more to direct the sixth movie, Alien: Covenant, before solely serving as a producer on 2024’s Alien: Romulus.
“A number of years after, I said, ‘I’m going to resurrect this,’ [and wrote] Prometheus from scratch – a blank sheet of paper,” he added.
“It was very present and very welcome. The audience really wanted more. I said, ‘It needs to fly.’ No one was coming for it, [and] I went once again [and made] Alien: Covenant, and it worked too. Where it’s going now, I think I’ve done enough, and I just hope it goes further.”
Scott’s Thoughts on the Franchise’s Future
Scott previously told Morningpicker he thought the franchise had been “ran firmly into the ground” following the fourth Alien film.
He added, “Then I went back to [former 20th Century Fox chief Tom Rothman] and said, ‘Listen, there’s a way out. We should resurrect Alien with Prometheus.”
While the Gladiator director doesn’t have plans to return to lead another Alien film, he is still involved in the franchise as an executive producer of Noah Hawley’s upcoming prequel series Alien: Earth via his Scott Free company.
Papatui: A Men’s Grooming Brand with a Purpose
Dwayne Johnson’s men’s grooming brand, Papatui, has been making waves in the industry with its unique approach to men’s care. The brand’s name is a tribute to Johnson’s Samoan grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, who epitomized true masculinity and self-care before it became a popular term. Johnson has often spoken about the influence his grandfather had on him, and how he inspired the character of Maui from Moana.
The Brand’s Name: A Tribute to Johnson’s Samoan Grandfather
The name Papatui comes from the nickname “little tui” given to Johnson by his grandfather, and “papa,” which means “rock” in Samoan. This name is a testament to the strong bond between Johnson and his grandfather, and the values that his grandfather instilled in him. Johnson’s grandfather was a respected figure in their community, known for his ability to take care of himself and those around him.
Product Range: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Formulated without Harmful Chemicals
Papatui’s product range is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without harmful chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. This commitment to using only the best ingredients is a reflection of Johnson’s values and his desire to create a brand that is not only effective but also safe and sustainable. The brand offers a wide range of products, including skin care, body washes, soaps, lotions, aluminum-free deodorants and antiperspirants, hair care, and tattoo care, all priced under $13.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas and Beyond
With Father’s Day just around the corner, Johnson is recommending Papatui’s men’s care essentials as the perfect gift for dads. In a recent Instagram post, Johnson shared how his grandfather’s influence has shaped his approach to self-care and his desire to help other men prioritize their well-being. He encouraged his followers to get their dads the gift of self-care this Father’s Day, and to explore Papatui’s range of products.
Johnson’s Recommendation for Father’s Day: Papatui Men’s Care
Johnson’s recommendation for Father’s Day is Papatui’s men’s care essentials, which include a range of products designed to help men look and feel their best. From hero fragrances to signature scents, Papatui has something for every dad. The brand’s fragrances were developed by Frank Voelkl, who created Le Labo’s bestselling Santal 33, and include scents such as Sandalwood Suede, Lush Coconut, and Cedar Sport.
Exploring the Brand’s Hero Fragrances and Signature Scents
Papatui’s hero fragrances are designed to evoke the senses and transport men to a different time and place. The brand’s Sandalwood Suede fragrance, for example, is a warm and woody scent that is reminiscent of a proprietary five-star resort and spa. The Lush Coconut fragrance, on the other hand, is a luxury island escape in a bottle, with notes of vanilla and coconut. The Cedar Sport fragrance is a fresh and energetic scent that is perfect for everyday wear.
In addition to its hero fragrances, Papatui also offers a range of signature scents that are designed to appeal to different tastes and preferences. The brand’s Vanilla Shea fragrance, for example, is a rich and creamy scent that is perfect for men who prefer a more subtle fragrance. The brand also offers an unscented option for men who prefer not to wear fragrance or have sensitive skin.
- Papatui’s product range is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without harmful chemicals
- The brand offers a wide range of products, including skin care, body washes, soaps, lotions, aluminum-free deodorants and antiperspirants, hair care, and tattoo care
- Papatui’s fragrances were developed by Frank Voelkl, who created Le Labo’s bestselling Santal 33
- The brand’s hero fragrances include Sandalwood Suede, Lush Coconut, and Cedar Sport
- Papatui’s signature scents include Vanilla Shea and an unscented option
Conclusion
As Dwayne Johnson reflects on the enduring legacy of his late Samoan grandfather, he paints a vivid picture of a man who embodied the very essence of masculinity. In an intimate conversation, Johnson shares how his grandfather’s unshakeable values and unwavering dedication to family have profoundly influenced his approach to men’s grooming, as evident in his eponymous brand, Morningpicker. Johnson’s grandfather, a true pillar of strength and resilience, continues to inspire the actor’s pursuit of creating products that not only enhance physical appearance but also foster a sense of confidence and character.
The significance of Johnson’s grandfather’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of personal grooming. It speaks to the importance of honoring heritage and tradition while embracing innovation and progress. By drawing upon his grandfather’s timeless principles, Johnson is able to craft a brand that transcends superficiality, instead focusing on the cultivation of genuine masculinity. This approach has far-reaching implications, as it challenges the notion that traditional notions of masculinity must be rigid and unyielding. Instead, Johnson’s vision presents a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of what it means to be a man, one that values strength, vulnerability, and a deep connection to one’s roots.