Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is bringing the beloved Polynesian demigod Maui to life in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana. The 52-year-old actor, known for voicing Maui in the original 2016 animated hit, was spotted filming on the beaches of Hawaii, showing off his muscular physique in character.
A Stunning Transformation
In his first on-screen portrayal of Maui, Johnson sported intricate Polynesian tattoos, a traditional leaf skirt, and a long black wig, accessorized with a whale bone necklace. During breaks, he was seen wearing sunglasses while strolling around the set.
The former wrestler looked more ripped than ever, showcasing his chiseled chest and massive arms, perfectly embodying the character’s larger-than-life image. Johnson also playfully interacted with Maui’s iconic magic fishhook, a tool that allows the demigod to shapeshift into various creatures.
Joining Johnson on set was 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia, who stars as the live-action Moana. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Laga’aia has Samoan roots and has expressed her excitement about representing Polynesian culture: “It’s such an honor to portray Moana, one of my favorite characters. My grandparents are from Samoa, and I’m thrilled to celebrate our culture and represent young girls who look like me.”
Familiar Voices and New Cast
While Laga’aia leads the live-action remake, Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated original, will reprise her role in the animated sequel, Moana 2, scheduled for release on November 27, 2024.
The live-action cast includes:
- John Tui, 49, as Chief Tui (Moana’s father)
- Frankie Adams, 30, as Sina (Moana’s mother)
- Rena Owen, 61, as Gramma Tala
The live-action Moana is set to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026, with Thomas Kail directing and Lin-Manuel Miranda overseeing the film’s music. Miranda also contributed to the animated version’s celebrated soundtrack.
The screenplay is written by Jared Bush, who co-wrote the original Moana. The 2016 animated film was a box office hit, earning $687.2 million globally on a budget of $150–175 million.
Cultural Significance
For Johnson, who is of Samoan descent, Moana is a deeply personal project: “This story represents my culture. It embodies the grace and warrior strength of our people. I’m proud to carry this culture on my skin and in my soul.”
The actor emphasized the importance of storytelling through music and dance, which are central to Polynesian identity.
Why a Live-Action Remake?
Sean Bailey, Disney’s president of live-action productions, acknowledged that only seven years have passed since the animated film’s release but highlighted Disney’s 100th-anniversary celebrations as a significant factor in the decision to remake Moana.
Johnson first announced the live-action adaptation in April 2023, sharing his excitement on social media: “It’s an honor to announce that we’re bringing the beautiful story of #MOANA to the big screen!”
Meanwhile, fans can also look forward to Moana 2, the animated sequel written and directed by Dave G. Derrick Jr., arriving in theaters on November 27, 2024.
