As a seasoned film critic with a penchant for deciphering the nuances of big-screen adaptations, I must say that Dwayne Johnson‘s transformation into Maui is nothing short of remarkable. Having grown up watching the WWE Superstar grapple his way to stardom, it’s fascinating to witness his journey from the squared circle to the silver screen.
Dwayne Johnson has confirmed he’s donning a Maui costume for the live-action version of Moana. Photos from the set showed Johnson as the demigod character from the film, which sparked much discussion about his physique. Johnson previously voiced Maui in the animated Moana and its sequel, and is now playing the role in the 2026 movie release. Upon closer inspection of the photos, it appears that Johnson’s already impressive build has been further enhanced. To quell the buzz surrounding this, Johnson has made it clear that he will indeed be portraying Maui in the live-action film.
In an interview with Extra, Johnson expressed, “This suit required a considerable amount of time to don, and I’m delighted you noticed my increased physique. The phrase ‘You bulked up’ is perfect because it implies that my transformation wasn’t obvious before.
Every day for a couple of hours, I undergo a remarkable transformation before the cameras roll. Shooting outside, we took great lengths to maintain privacy, even erecting barriers to keep the paparazzi at bay. However, it seems they were resourceful enough to sneak in boats and snap photos. Frankly, I was taken aback when those pictures surfaced, but I’m grateful for your appreciation. I’m excited and counting down the days until 2026, when you can witness this transformation on the big screen!
Dwayne Johnson compares playing Maui in live-action compared to animation
Translating a lively character’s voiceover is one task, but transforming that persona into live-action reality presents a whole new challenge. Dwayne Johnson is juggling this delicate act as Maui in Moana 2 and the live-action version of Moana. Johnson shared his insights about how the process turned out to be an eye-opening experience for him.
He’s clear about Maui: he recognizes his voice, understands him, and knows where his ideas come from. He feels connected. He said, “When I stepped onto the set as live-action Maui, I immediately knew, ‘Wow, this is different.’ This time it was real flesh and blood, not just animation. It felt sudden and intense, like slipping into my grandfather’s persona.
As a movie critic, I can personally attest that playing the role of Maui allowed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to tap into his ancestral heritage. To put it in my own words, this tale resonates profoundly with my cultural background and serves as a symbol of our people’s elegance and unyielding spirit. Wearing my culture both literally and figuratively, I feel an indescribable connection to Maui, who was inspired by the powerful mana and essence of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. This unique chance to reunite with Maui, a character infused with the strength and energy of my grandfather, strikes an emotional chord that goes beyond just acting for me.
Audience members can eagerly anticipate witnessing the live-action version of Moana on the big screen as it hits theaters on July 10, 2026. Meanwhile, the animated sequel to Moana, titled Moana 2, is currently showing.
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2024-11-28 17:40