Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson showcased his beefcake physique as he filmed scenes for Disney’s live-action Moana film on the beach in Hawaii this week.
In a first-look at the screen spectacular, Johnson, 52 – who voiced the role of Maui in the fully animated Moana film in 2016, got into character as the Polynesian demigod as he went shirtless and flashed intricate tattoos while clad in a leaf skirt.
The You’re Welcome singer – who is known for his signature bald head – sported a flowing raven wig and a whalebone necklace – topped off with tinted shades between takes as he strolled around set.
While famed for his hunky frame, the ex-wrestler was looking more ripped than ever as he showed off his defined pecs and muscular arms on the set.
The star was also seen playfully wielding Maui’s magical fish hook that allows him to shapeshift into various creatures.
He joined Catherine Laga’aia, 17 – the young actress who will play the titular Polynesian heroine, Moana – on set.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson showcased his beefcake physique as he filmed scenes for Disney’s live-action Moana film in Hawaii this week
The Rock memorably sang You’re Welcome in the 2016 animated classic and will reprise his voice role in Moana 2 – scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 27, 2024
The Sydney, native is a relative unknown with Samoan heritage.
Laga’aia previously said: ‘I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa.
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‘I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.’
Auliʻi Cravalho, 23, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, is reprising the titular voice role for the second installment of the animated version – set for release on November 27 2024.
Rounding out the new cast members for the remake are John Tui, 49, who play her dad Chief Tui, Frankie Adams, 30, portrays her mom Sina, while Rena Owen, 61, takes on the Gramma Tala character.
#MOANALiveAction is scheduled to premiere in theaters July 10, 2026.
Thomas Kail will be directing the live-action version, and famed Broadway star Lin Manuel Miranda is doing the music for the movie.
Kail is working from a screenplay by Jared Bush, who served as the writer of the fully animated Moana (2016), which went on to become a smash hit with fans, grossing $687.2 million while working with a $150-175 million budget.
The You’re Welcome singer – who is known for his signature bald head – sported a flowing raven wig and a whalebone necklace – topped off with shades between takes as he strolled around set
While famed for his hunky frame, the ex-wrestler was looking more ripped than ever as he showed off his defined pecs and muscular arms on the set
He joined Catherine Laga’aia, 17 – the young actress who will play the titular Polynesian heroine, Moana – on set
Johnson was seen with Maui’s iconic magical fish hook on set
The actor looked incredible as he flexed his muscles on the beach set
The Rock was center of attention as he filmed on the beach in Hawaii
He was seen sharing a hug with co-star Catherine as they filmed an emotional scene
The actor looked focused as he rehearsed on the hectic set
The star looked incredible as he filmed for the hotly-anticipated movie
Last year Johnson excitedly shared some of the casting decisions by posting a photo on Instagram featuring headshots of the cast alongside their animated characters
Laga’aia is a Sydney, native with Samoan heritage, like many of the cast
2016’s Moana was a huge box office hit and saw Johnson voice Maui alongside Auli’i Cravalho as Moana
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In Moana, the title character sets sail to seek Maui in order to save her island from ecological disaster.
She convinces him to accompany her on her voyage to recover his magical fish hook and restore the heart stone that he stole from the goddess Te Fiti.
Moana is a passion project of sorts for The Rock, considering he has Samoan citizenship due to his mother being Samoan, according to IMDb.
‘This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul,’ he said of Moana.
‘There is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.’
Sean Bailey, Disney Live Action’s president of production, recognized that only seven years had passed since the animated Moana film was released, but took into account that the celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary contributed to the decision to remake the film so soon.
Moana 2 – written and directed by Dave G. Derrick Jr. – is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 27, 2024.
Johnson first announced the live-action remake in April 2023.
He tweeted: ‘Humbled to say we’re bringing #MOANA’s beautiful story to the live action big screen!
The pair will reprise their roles in animated sequel Moana 2 – set for release on November 27
‘#MAUI changed my life (miss you grandpa) and I’m honored to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell our story thru the realm of music & dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people.’
The Fast and Furious actor shared more about the upcoming movie in a pre-recorded message with his daughters, including the inspiration he gets from his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia.
Johnson spoke more during the pre-recorded segment with his daughters, saying, via Variety :’We are so excited and happy to announce that a live action reimagining of Moana is in the works. Moana, Grandma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village, the beautiful powerful ocean and one more …what’s that guys? Oh, yours truly…Heihei the chicken! Kidding. Heihei is gonna be in it, but of course Maui will be in it too.
‘Many of you may not know the brilliant team at Disney Animation, my partners, we found so much inspiration for Maui in the mana and the presence of my late grandfather, the legendary High Chief Peter Maivia.
‘He would walk in light up the room — the energy, the tattoos, the hair, the bod. [sings with daughters] “When you’re starring at a demigod” Thank you. Sorry, I get caught up in the moment.
‘So as you guys can see — perfect timing as the sun comes out — just how deep the story is for me, because in a way, when I bring Maui to life, I’m doing it in the spirit of my grandfather. So it’s still very early in the process. There’s so much more work to be done.
‘But until then, there is one more thing that I need to kick this journey off right. Girls do want to get that special thing that Daddy needs? [Bring out his staff] Wow, you guys are daddy’s daughters. You are so strong. Thank you guys so much.’
He concluded: ‘We’re gonna go in the ocean. Yes. Oh, look at the love I have. Is Daddy Maui? No! You guys want ice cream? Yes! So Daddy is Maui.’