See Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Transformation in Moana Live-Action

As a film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the upcoming cinematic lineup is nothing short of exhilarating! From the return of beloved characters like Paddington and Jamie Foxx’s spies to the intriguing suspense thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, there’s something for everyone.


Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is making waves with his new look. 

In Hawaii, during the shooting of the live-action reboot of Disney’s Moana, a 55-year-old actor was seen dressed as his character Maui. He closely resembled his animated version, almost like looking at two identical figures.

On November 21st, during the day of the shooting incident, Dwayne opted to go without a shirt, displaying his well-defined abs and extensive collection of tattoos on his torso. He paired this with traditional attire consisting of a Ti leaf skirt, forearm guards, and added a whale tooth necklace as a final touch. To complete the look, he styled his long hair by tying it half up.

Besides the distinctive Maui items mentioned earlier, the actor who lends his voice to the demigod sidekick in both the 2016 original and its upcoming sequel (known as “Red One” or Dwayne Johnson) was also seen wearing other unique Maui-related accessories. At one instance, Dwayne was photographed carrying his character’s signature fishhook.

I’m thrilled to share that while the details about other costumes are still under wraps, the talented cast joining Dwayne on set has been disclosed! Back in June, Disney made an exciting announcement that Catherine Laga’aia will embody the main character Moana, and John Tui will bring her father Chief Tui to life. Moreover, Frankie Adams is set to play Moana’s mother Sina, and the esteemed Rena Owen has been cast as Gramma Tala. I can hardly wait to see this amazing team come together!

For Catherine, she’s most excited for the opportunity to tell such an empowering story through the live-action version, which is slated to be released July 10, 2026.

She expressed her gratitude for the chance to honor Samoa and all Pacific Islanders, as well as to embody young girls with similar appearances, which she expressed in a June statement to Disney.

Speaking from my perspective as a devoted follower, much like Dwayne – who proudly calls himself dad to daughters Jasmine (8), Tiana (6) with wife Lauren Hashian, and Simone (23) with ex-partner Dany Garcia – I find myself in agreement with Catherine’s viewpoint. Inspiring young girls to envision their own limitless potential is a powerful message that resonates deeply within the heart of this beloved franchise.

As a dedicated admirer, I’d express that what truly resonates about Moana lies in its theme of female empowerment. As Dwayne Johnson shared with TopMob News, it’s all about questioning, ‘What lies beyond the reef that I see every day?’

Indeed, he’s genuinely captivated by the way the concept presented in “Moana 2“, set to release on November 27th, is further developed.

“It’s this idea that what people like to do—especially to young girls—is kind of constrain them,” he continued, “and pretzel them into, ‘You can only be so much.’ But in Moana 2, you can actually be anything you want.”

To catch up on more upcoming movie releases, keep reading. 

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Where to Watch: Netflix

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Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson star in this Netflix comedy about a big-city dancer who stages an all-male, Christmas-themed revue to save her parents’ small-town music venue.

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The eagerly anticipated film version of the hit Broadway musical, featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and others.

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Where to Watch: In select theaters Nov. 1, and then streaming on Apple TV+ on Nov. 22

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Where to Watch: Netflix

The Lohanaissance persists! Lindsay Lohan and Ian Harding, known for his role in Pretty Little Liars, feature in a festive romantic comedy. In this story, two former lovers who harbor mutual resentment find themselves stuck together during Christmas when they uncover the shocking truth that their respective partners are siblings, forcing them to spend the holiday season under the same roof.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Now joined by her little sister Simea, Moana embarks on a new voyage to the far seas of Oceania.

Where to watch: In theaters

The Academy Award-winning actress, Angelina Jolie, takes on the role of the renowned opera singer Maria Callas, portraying her in the closing stages of her life in this fresh retelling.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome shine in the uplifting portrayal of Anthony Robles, a man born with only one leg who astonished all by rising to the title of National Wrestling Champion.

Where to Watch: In theaters Dec. 6, and then streaming on Prime Video Jan. 16, 2025

In World War II, a unique and historically significant all-female, all-Black battalion of the U.S. Army embarks on an extraordinary mission in this dramatic retelling of real events. The movie is penned and helmed by Tyler Perry, featuring Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams.

Where to Watch: In select theaters Dec. 6, then streaming on Neflix Dec. 20

In a new twist, the filmmaker behind “Love Actually,” Richard Curtis, is back with an assortment of animated tales set during the holiday season, making it easier for you to embrace the spirit of generosity.

Where to Watch: Netflix

The offbeat, darkly humorous film is inspired by the hit novel of Rachel Yoder. In this production, Amy Adams plays a character who temporarily halts her professional life for homemaking, only to discover that her nurturing impulses manifest in an unexpected canine form.

Where to Watch: In theaters

In this suspenseful story, Taron Egerton portrays a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer caught in a tense battle with an enigmatic passenger. This enigmatic figure coerces the TSA agent to allow a perilous package to pass undetected on a Christmas Eve flight.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Following its debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the family comedy-drama by director Rungano Nyoni, who hails from Zambia and Wales, is set for a theatrical release courtesy of A24.

Where to Watch: In select theaters

In this action-packed superhero movie, we have Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, and Russell Crowe portraying key roles, all centered around a character from the Marvel Comics universe who shares the same name.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Experience a fresh take on the “Lord of the Rings” universe as Japanese filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama blends Tolkien’s epic fantasy with anime style in this new project.

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In this sequel, Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter, appears on screen for the first time sharing the limelight with her mother Beyoncé, as they delve into the storyline revolving around the roots of Simba’s father.

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In this CGI-animated, live-action follow-up, the trio of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails once more join forces to confront a formidable new foe – Shadow, an enigmatic antagonist wielding powers never before encountered by our heroes. Notably, Jim Carrey and James Marsden reprise their roles in this exciting continuation.

Where to Watch: In theaters

In this portrayal of the real-life journey of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, Timothée Chalamet takes on both acting and singing roles.

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The horror classic gets a revamp courtesy of director Robert Eggers and an all-star cast including Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgard, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe and Emma Corrin

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In a rephrased manner, the sentence could be: Nicole Kidman portrays a powerful businesswoman who jeopardizes both her professional and personal life by engaging in a romantic relationship with a young intern.

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Once more, we welcome back the beloved bear with a penchant for marmalade sandwiches: Paddington! This time around, our furry friend teams up with the Browns, his loving adoptive family, embarking on an adventure to reconnect with his Aunt Lucy in the captivating land of Peru.

Where to Watch: In theaters

Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx grace our screens once more in this action-filled comedy, where they reprise their roles as ex-CIA agents unexpectedly thrust back into the realm of espionage after their identities are exposed. The stellar cast includes Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott.

Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix

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Where to Watch: In theaters

Keke Palmer and SZA play roommates Dreux and Alyssa in this comedy, produced by Issa Rae. When they learn that Alyssa’s boyfriend squandered their rent money, these two friends are pushed to their limits as they race against time to prevent eviction and preserve their friendship, all while finding unconventional solutions.

Where to Watch: In theaters

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2024-11-22 06:49