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Now that the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Moana is underway, Fil-Am influencer Bretman Rock has his eyes set on playing the scatterbrained chicken Hei Hei, and he made sure Dwayne Johnson knows about it.
Bretman previously sent the retired professional wrestler, who voiced Maui in the original animated version of Moana, a voice audition of Hei Hei. But now, he is taking things to the next level by doing a live performance while wearing a chicken suit.
“Hey the Rock, it is I, Bretman Rock and this is one of my chickens. Today, I’m going to be doing a live audition. I understand that my last audition was a voice audition, and I understand that the new movie is a live-action, so I’m sure you would want a Hei Hei that can act,” Bretman said in the video.
“So today, I’m going to be recreating one of the scenes from the movie,” he added.
Channeling his inner Hei Hei, Bretman put a coconut shell on his head before screaming like a chicken. This references to a scene in the film when a shocked Hei Hei discovered that he had unwittingly joined Moana in her ocean adventure.
“So yeah, let me know. I really feel like it’s time for Māhū representation and I feel like Moana was lacking that. I really feel like a gay chicken makes so much sense, so the decision is up to you. The ball is in your court,” Bretman said to Dwayne.
In the caption, the social media personality based in Hawaii urged his followers, “Can y’all tag him so I can stop bothering the man.”
Bretman isn’t the only one who wants to see himself play as Hei Hei in the live-action remake. His fans, too, are eager to watch him on the big screen, so much so that they have started a petition on Change.org, which has now gathered more than 2,600 signatures as of writing.
“Bretman’s vibrant personality and unique voice would bring an exciting new dimension to the character of Hei Hei. Moreover, his casting would be a significant step towards better representation within Hollywood where Asian-Americans account for only one percent of leading roles despite making up 5.6 percent of the US population,” the petition read.
“Disney has always been at the forefront of creating magical worlds that inspire and entertain us all. By casting Bretman Rock as Hei Hei, they have an opportunity to continue this legacy while also promoting diversity and representation that reflects our global community,” the statement added.
Dwayne first announced that the 2016 film will be having a live-action version in April earlier this year. He will once again be bringing to life the mighty demigod Maui who assists Moana in the story. However, the Disney Princess’ original voice actress, Auli’i Carvalho, won’t be reprising her role.
