Dwayne Johnson recently revealed how he prepared to play Maui in the live-action version of Moana. Both Johnson and the film’s director, Thomas Kail, discussed the work and decisions that went into bringing the character to life on screen.
Dwayne Johnson on Maui’s wig and transformation for Moana remake
Dwayne Johnson recently told Entertainment Weekly about the difficulties of becoming Maui for the live-action Moana. He explained that the transformation required a heavy costume weighing around 40 pounds, including prosthetics, hair, and a full bodysuit.
He explained that filming was incredibly difficult due to the heavy suit and the intense heat. Johnson also mentioned the challenge of delivering a performance while working with 40 pounds of prosthetics, hair, and padding, and learning how to express emotions through all of it.
Director Thomas Kail explained that Maui’s wig was a key element, needing significant volume. Filming scenes on the water presented a challenge – they had to consider how the wig would look when soaked. He revealed the wig actually gained seven pounds from absorbing water during the long days of filming.
Johnson explained the process of becoming Maui took a significant amount of time – around two and a half hours each day. Makeup artist Joel Harlow crafted a custom bodysuit using molds of Johnson’s body. He also created prosthetics to accurately represent Maui’s tattoos and impressive size as seen in the animated film.
The actor explained that playing Maui came with a cultural weight, as he was representing the history and heritage of Polynesian voyagers and warriors. He emphasized that Polynesian culture is built on a strong sense of pride, community, and sharing traditions.
Thomas Kail explained that the original film is deeply ingrained in people’s memories. He emphasized that the live-action version isn’t trying to replicate it, but rather offer a complementary experience. He pointed out that using live actors allows for a more human connection to the story and songs.
Disney will release the live-action Moana in theaters on July 10, 2026.
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2026-03-27 09:16