Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is back and even bigger – but only during filming!
Speaking exclusively for Extra about his upcoming role in Disney’s live-action version Moanathe former professional wrestler, 52, said his trim look is part muscle, part tailor.
“It’s a suit that took a long time to put on,” Johnson said of the larger-than-usual body seen in set photos of him in costume as the demigod Maui. “So I’m so glad you said ‘You were getting high,’ because when you say ‘You were getting high,’ that means you couldn’t tell.”
Johnson previously voiced Maui in the animated film Moana 2016 and reprized the role for the upcoming Moana 2.
Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) in Moana.
Disney
“It’s a few hours every day of transforming, putting it on. We were shooting outside and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, ‘S—, we caught ourselves, ’cause we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi.” , Johnson said Extra. “But they got in the boats and started filming. So, but I’m happy you liked it. I can’t wait. The movie comes out in 2026.”
Dwayne Johnson gets emotional as he talks about how his grandfather inspired him to portray Maui in the Moana
The photos Johnson was referring to show him dressed in traditional Hawaiian garb as he walked the set Nov. 20 — his bare chest and tribal tattoos front and center as he wore a grass skirt.
For Red star, transforming into Maui made him feel right at home.
Dwayne Johnson — premiere of “Red One” studio Amazon MGM in New York.
Santiago Felipe/FilmMagic
“My daughters, all three of my daughters were there. It was the first time we were all together in a public place before,” he told the newspaper in the presence of his family. Moana 2premiere in Hawaii.
Dwayne Johnson rarely appears with all 3 daughters on Moana 2 Premiere in Hawaii — check out the sweet photos!
“That was wonderful. My mom was there. That’s our culture. I grew up here, got in trouble here 15 miles up the road. My grandfather is buried here. My grandfather inspired the character of Maui,” Johnson continued. “Everything came together.”
The actor added that he and Maui have a lot in common, especially that they are both “selfish” and “loud” with “big mouths.”
“I know who Maui is,” Johnson added. “I know the voice, I know the man, I know his inspiration. I can access things. I get it.”
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“The moment I stepped on set … as Maui in live action, I immediately realized, ‘Oh, wow, this is different,’ in the sense that this is real flesh and blood and bones and skin,” Johnson said. “Suddenly it becomes real. It was almost like I stepped into my grandfather’s shoes and what it was like.”
Auli’i Cravalho, who voices Moana in the animated films, will executive produce the upcoming film. Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia will play the character on screen in the live-action remake. Thomas Kail, who won a Tony for directing In the Heights and Hamilton on Broadway, directed a live action film.
Moana 2 is in theaters on November 27, while the live-action remake of the first film opens on July 10, 2026.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education