The first look at Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana has been unveiled, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson making waves as Maui in a show stopping transformation. Spotted filming in Hawaii, the 55-year-old actor bears an uncanny resemblance to his animated counterpart, complete with Maui’s signature tattoos, traditional Ti leaf skirt, and the iconic fishhook.
On set, Johnson was seen shirtless, showcasing his muscular physique and donning a whale-tooth necklace with his long wig tied in a half-up style. His look is a faithful recreation of the beloved demigod sidekick he voiced in the 2016 animated classic.
The film, set for release on 10 July 2026, glimmers in a stellar cast. Catherine Laga’aia will take on the titular role of Moana, joined by John Tui as her father Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Laga’aia expressed her excitement about bringing the empowering Polynesian story to life, saying, “I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Johnson, who has three daughters, has often spoken about the franchise’s strong themes of female empowerment. Reflecting on Moana’s message, he said, “It’s about breaking constraints and showing young girls that they can be anything they want.” The upcoming sequel, Moana 2, releasing on 27 November 2026, is set to expand on these themes, exploring the idea of pushing beyond limitations.
Fan reactions to the live-action adaptation have been mixed but passionate. One user on X (formerly Twitter) exclaimed, “My little girls are going to be so happy!” Another added, “Really hope they don’t mess it up. Moana was one of Disney’s last good movies.” Despite some scepticism, many seem eager to revisit the tale, with one comment simply stating, “We will be watching.”
With its commitment to authenticity and heartfelt storytelling, the live-action Moana looks prepped to make a splash while honouring the legacy of the original.
