Dwayne Johnson shares transformation for live-action Maui role in Moana 2 and family connection

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is set to reprise his role as Maui in the live-action remake of Moana, sharing details about his transformation for the character. Speaking exclusively to Extra, Johnson, 52, revealed that his beefed-up physique seen in recent on-set photos was a combination of physical training and a custom-made suit. “The suit took a long time to put on,” he explained, emphasizing the amount of time and effort it took to achieve the larger-than-life look. Despite the intense transformation process, Johnson expressed his satisfaction with the result, noting that the images caught by paparazzi weren’t entirely what they seemed.
 

Previously voicing Maui in the animated Moana (2016), Johnson returns to the role for the upcoming Moana 2. During production, he shared his connection to the character, revealing that his portrayal was deeply influenced by his Hawaiian heritage. Johnson’s grandfather, who was from Hawaii, played a major role in inspiring his take on Maui. Johnson also described how walking onto the set as a live-action Maui felt incredibly personal, almost like stepping into his grandfather’s skin.

Johnson’s excitement for the film was further reflected when he shared that his family, including his three daughters, joined him for the premiere in Hawaii. The experience felt deeply meaningful, with Johnson describing it as a full-circle moment. The movie is scheduled to release on November 27, 2024, with the live-action remake set for release on July 10, 2026. The film, directed by Tony Award-winning Thomas Kail, will also feature Auli'i Cravalho as an executive producer, alongside Catherine Laga'aia portraying Moana.