Dwayne Johnson has opened up about his transformation for the upcoming live-action remake of Moana, set for release in 2026. The actor, who is reprising his role as Maui, the legendary demigod, recently spoke about the challenges and excitement of embodying the character in a live-action format.
In a candid interview, Johnson revealed that achieving Maui’s signature look required a lot of preparation. “It’s all about creating the right physical presence. For Maui, I’m wearing a bodysuit, which took hours to put on every day,” Johnson shared. He explained that while the photos from the set showing him looking more muscular may suggest he bulked up, the reality is that it’s all part of the transformation process.
Johnson went on to discuss his surprise at the photos that leaked from the set. “We tried to keep things under wraps, but the paparazzi managed to sneak in with boats and catch us. We were doing everything we could to stay hidden, but hey, sometimes things slip through,” he laughed. “I’m just glad people are excited about the film!”
Reflecting on his role as Maui, Johnson admitted that portraying the character in live-action is a very different experience compared to voicing him in the animated version. “The physicality of it makes it feel so real. It’s a completely new way to connect with the character. When I stepped on set as Maui, it felt like I was stepping into my grandfather’s shoes—there’s a weight and significance that comes with it.”
The live-action Moana is highly anticipated, and with Johnson at the helm as Maui, fans are eager to see how the beloved animated film will be adapted for the big screen. The movie is scheduled to release in 2026.