Dwayne Johnson Reacts to Leaked Maui Photos

Dwayne Johnson’s Maui Muscles Up in ‘Moana’ Live-Action Adaptation

Dwayne Johnson is back, brandishing the charm that made him an icon. This time, he resurfaces as Maui in the upcoming live-action Moana film. With the release date set for 2026, eager fans recently caught glimpses of Johnson’s larger-than-life demigod. However, intriguing leaks and a surprising revelation by Johnson himself have heightened the anticipation.

First Glimpses of Maui Unveiled

Recently leaked set photos have surfaced, offering fans a sneak peek at Johnson’s rendition of the beloved character. The images raised questions about Maui’s seemingly exaggerated physique. Speculations pointed towards Johnson donning a bodysuit to achieve the mountainous proportions. The Rock, however, swiftly addressed these claims in an interview with Extra, confirming the use of a bodysuit. "That suit," he explains, "takes a long time to put on daily."

Overcoming Set Challenges

While Johnson welcomed the early reactions, the leaks revealed more than intended. Shooting exterior scenes posed unique challenges, with paparazzi snapping unexpected shots from distant vantage points. "We built walls to keep prying eyes away," Johnson recounted, "but they still got in boats to shoot pictures." Despite the hiccups, Johnson seemed unfazed. He expressed enthusiasm about the positive fan feedback and anticipation for the movie’s release.

A Familiar Tale Reimagined

The live-action remake revisits the critically acclaimed animation, intertwining familiar characters with fresh faces. Although Johnson reprises his iconic role, the lead character, Moana, gets a new portrayal. Catherine Laga’aia steps into the shoes previously filled by Auli’i Cravalho. In addition, John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala join the cast. Filming commenced in July, using Hawaii and Atlanta as its backdrop. The project moves forward under the working title, Canon.

Moana Waves Into New Territory

While live-action excitement brews, the animated sequel Moana 2 sails into theaters, making an impressive splash. Released on November 27, the sequel surprises audiences with record-breaking numbers. Johnson’s Maui returns, revealing a deeper and more vulnerable side, as Auli’i Cravalho revives her role as Moana. Familiar voices from the original such as Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and Alan Tudyk (Heihei) are back for this animated journey.

As the world awaits the unveiling of live-action Moana, the ripple effect of its legacy continues to grow. Dwayne Johnson’s commitment to bringing Maui back to life demonstrates that some legends are simply too grand to remain as mere tales. With a powerhouse production roster helmed by Director Thomas Kail, the anticipation is palpable. Get ready to set sail on July 10, 2026, and experience an adventure that’s larger than life.