Dwayne Johnson Wears Bodysuit as Maui in Live-Action Moana

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the renowned actor and former WWE superstar, has recently confirmed that he is wearing a bodysuit for his role as Maui in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved animated film, "Moana." This revelation comes after leaked set photos stirred excitement and speculation among fans, who wondered if Johnson had undergone an impressive physical transformation for the character.

In the original 2016 animated film, Maui is depicted as a larger-than-life demigod, known for his strength and charm. Johnson, who is already known for his muscular physique, was expected to bring this character to life once again. However, the leaked images led many to believe that he had bulked up even more for the role. Addressing these rumors, Johnson spoke to Extra, clarifying that the impressive appearance seen in the photos is due to a specially designed bodysuit.

Johnson expressed his satisfaction with the public's perception, stating, "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." He further explained the effort involved in transforming into Maui, mentioning that it takes a couple of hours each day to get into the suit. Johnson humorously recounted the challenges of filming outdoors, noting, "When those pictures surfaced, I was like, 'Sh*t, we got caught,' because we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi. But they got into boats and started shooting pictures."

In addition to Johnson's return as Maui, Disney has cast Australian actress Catherine Laga'aia to portray Moana in this live-action version. The film is set to be released on July 10, 2026. Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated film, has decided not to reprise her role but will serve as an executive producer for the remake, ensuring that the essence of the original story is preserved.

As excitement builds for the live-action adaptation, fans are also looking forward to the animated sequel, "Moana 2," which is set to hit theaters this week. With high expectations, it is anticipated to break box office records, further solidifying the franchise's popularity.

Dwayne Johnson's candid remarks about his bodysuit not only shed light on the behind-the-scenes efforts of bringing Maui to life but also highlight the dedication that goes into creating such beloved characters. As audiences await the release of both the live-action film and its animated sequel, it is clear that the magic of "Moana" continues to captivate hearts around the world.