SALT LAKE CITY — “Moana 2” hit theaters Wednesday, and David Derrick Jr., a Utahn who worked as a story artist on the original, called the sequel he directed “bigger and crazier.”

Three years after the original film, Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, embarks on a new journey to the South Pacific, tasked with breaking a curse that keeps the ocean’s peoples divided and meeting the demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne to reunite with “The Rock” Johnson.

But the sequel is personal for Derrick, who grew up in Farmington.

His ancestors were the first Samoans to settle in the Beehive State, living in the ghost town of Iosepa in Skull Valley in the late 19th century. Working on a dream project like “Moana” has allowed Derrick to learn more about his Polynesian culture.

“We tried to take inspiration from the different islands,” Derrick said. “They are very specific; even some of the tattoos are very specific to certain regions.”

Derrick also said it was important to give Moana a sister, which he said was inspired by his relationship with his two children.

And a fan favorite, Pua, Moana’s pet pig, is back after Derrick was reportedly the subject of many fan letters – some of them angry.

Regardless, he is deeply proud of the long-awaited sequel.

“My hope is that everyone can see themselves and celebrate that,” he said.