Bodysuit Confirmed by Dwayne Johnson for Live-Action Moana
Dwayne Johnson has officially confirmed that he is wearing a specially designed bodysuit for his role in the live-action adaptation of Moana, which is currently in production. The film aims to bring the beloved animated classic to life with a fresh cast and a unique cinematic approach. As filming progresses, Johnson’s portrayal of the demigod Maui is generating considerable buzz among fans, particularly regarding the creative choices made to visually represent the character.
Dwayne Johnson is deeply immersed in the production of the live-action Moana film, and while he is known for his impressive physique, he acknowledges that portraying Maui requires more than just physicality. Recent photos from the set have revealed that Johnson appears to be wearing a detailed bodysuit adorned with tattoos, a fact he has now confirmed. This creative decision highlights the dedication to authenticity in bringing the character of Maui to life, ensuring both fans and newcomers to the franchise will enjoy a visually captivating experience.
“That’s a suit that took a long time to put on. So, I’m so happy you said, ‘You bulked up,’ because when you say, ‘You bulked up,’ that means you couldn’t tell,” Johnson shared during an interview with Extra. “That is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on. We shot outside and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, ‘Sh*t, we got caught, ’cause we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi. But they got into boats and started shooting pictures. So, but I’m happy you liked it. I can’t wait. The movie comes out in 2026.“ This transparency about his transformation process illustrates Johnson’s commitment to the role and his excitement for the film’s release.
While Johnson feels he has a strong grasp of Maui’s character, he acknowledges the challenges of adapting the role for a live-action format. “I know the voice, I know the man, I know his inspiration. I can access things. I got it,” he elaborated. “[But] the moment I stepped on set… as live-action Maui, I realized right away, ‘Oh, wow, this is different,’ in terms of this is real flesh-and-blood and skin-and-bones. It becomes real all of the sudden. It was almost like getting in my grandfather’s skin and what that was like.“ This insight into his experience on set shows the depth of preparation and emotional connection he is bringing to the character, promising a performance that resonates with audiences.
Directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton, the live-action Moana movie boasts an impressive cast featuring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Frankie Adams as Sina, John Tui as Chef Tui, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The film is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release, which promises to deliver a thrilling adventure filled with stunning visuals and rich storytelling.
Johnson has also reprised his role in Moana 2, which is currently playing in theaters. The sequel invites audiences to embark on an expansive new voyage alongside Moana, Maui, and a fresh crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must navigate the far seas of Oceania and venture into perilous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. For an in-depth review of the sequel, you can check out our own Tyler Nichols’ insights right here.
